Helping You Back Into Work

Getting Ahead in 2012

Looking for a job? Need some help and support? We're making an early start on our 2012 programme (since Easter is early in 2012). The new programme starts on Tuesday 3rd January. Since 2006 we have helped nearly 500 job seekers in their quest to find new work. Almost every week, one or more of our members report having secured a new job, so there are opporunities out there, if you know how to unearth them, and that is how we can help.

You'll find more details on the Spring programme on the programme page or download the PDF version which includes additional information.

Can't wait until then? The Christmas break is an opportunity to get prepared for the New Year when many employers get their 2012 budgets confirmed and start recruiting. Read our complimentary guide Using Holidays Productively.

As well as our programme of meetings check out our other services for jobseekers. If you know of someone who might need our help but does not know about us, why not print out our flier (PDF) and pass it on. See also our Frequently asked Questions page or contact us for further information.

Workshops and Practical Guidance

If you're a professional or manager and have been made redundant, or are about to consider a new phase of your career, we're here to help. We meet most Tuesday's in the council chamber of the Town Hall, Newbury (entrance in Mansion House Street). Please come early at 12.45pm to register and get refreshments before the formal start at 1pm. Individual guidance sessions are available from 3pm and should be booked on arrival. Job-seeking topics we cover include:

• Improving Your CV
• Locating 'hidden' (e.g. unadvertised) jobs
• Developing Your Network and Networking Skills
• Working With Agencies
• Honing Your Telephone Technique
• How To Impress At Interviews
• Marketing Your Capabilities

These topics - and more - are covered in our programme of meetings.

Newcomers are always welcome. We look forward to helping you. Read the job seekers' page for more information.

Is It For Me?

We often get questions from potential joiners about whether our support group is suitable for them. Read the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page to address these common questions. If your question isn't answered please email: enquiries@careerswestberks.org.uk or telephone David on 01635 253545 or George on 01635 253447).

About Us

Careers Springboard West Berkshire (CSWB) is a self-help club for out-of-work professionals, executives and managers in the West Berkshire area who are seeking a new job. This website gives information about:

• Our programme of meetings: covering topics such as creating your CV, the hidden job market, interviewing for jobs
• Details of benefits for job seekers: including individual guidance, access to a comprehensive job search database etc.
• Our volunteers: profiles of existing volunteers and how you can volunteer to be part of our friendly and helpful team
• Our supporters: who they are and how we work with them to deliver better services
• Employer benefits: if you are making redundancies we can help your employees; if you are recruiting our active members represent a pool of skilled and experienced potential employees
• Resources: articles and links to resources for job seekers; (there will shortly be additional material that can only be accessed by for registered CSWB job seekers
• Who we are: our background and how we operate.

Over time, additional reference and guidance material on job-seeking topics will be added.

If You Are Unemployed

You are welcome to sign up and come to our meetings and use our services. Please read about how to join.

Please note: attendance at meetings and use of our services are free.

How We Operate

We are a volunteer-led organisation that receives core financial support from the Branshaw Foundation. We have evolved from the Newbury Job Club and build on its experience and that of the original Careers Springboard, based in Gerrards Cross. We are also grateful for the support of several organisations, both for funding and providing support services for our job seekers - see our Supporters page for details. See the background pages for more information on our organisation.

Our regular meetings take place on Tuesdays from 1pm to 4pm in The Town Hall, Mansion Street, Newbury. See the January - April 2010 programme for further details.

Useful Links

Organisations that are also in our Thames Valley network of job clubs are:

• Careers Springboard (Gerrards Cross)
• Careers Springboard Aylesbury
• Careers Springboard Bracknell
• Windsor & Maidenhead Executive Job Club

We are all members of the recently created charity The Foundation for Jobseekers. Until its website is fully functional you will find some useful resources at its predecessor's website Thames Valley Executive Job Club Network.

This page last updated 20th December 2011

Important Notice - The information and advice given on this website or by our volunteers is given in good faith. No responsibility whatsoever shall attach to Careers Springboard West Berkshire or any person acting on its behalf for any actions taken by any person acting on this information or advice.