News

Some Light at the end of the Tunnel (February 2010)

After a lean period at the end of last year, we have recently been encouraged by the steady number of job seekers reporting finding a new job. This includes a few who have been out of work for 3 months or more. However, we still get a steady stream of newcomers, including some former members who have been made redundant yet again. It is said that most professionals can now expect to be made redundant at least twice in their career - but in the current climate this may be an under estimate.

Newsletter (Spring 2010)

Just published and emailed to 300 former job seekers and supporters is our latest newsletter. Contents include:

• Chairman's update - some improvement in the job market, since our numbers peaked around 8 months ago
• New supporters - we have been successful in attracting some additional funding which secures our future for another 18 months or so
• Is the Worst Now Over - some statistics; we have now helped over 250 job seekers since we started in September 2006
• A job seeker profile - how an ex Royal Marine found it harder to get a job than he thought
• Workshop feature: networking - how to use your network to tap into jobs that are not advertised; it's how many of our job seekers succeed
• A volunteer profile - one of our volunteers is on her thrid career - as a career coach; and she uses these skills to coach our job seekers in 1-on-1 sessions
• Thanks to ... - Isabella Kerr, Branshaw Foundation's project manager for all the Thames Valley Executive Job Clubs.

Download the newsletter (PDF file; opens in a new window)

Surge in New Joiners (Oct 2009)

It's probably inevitable with the current economic conditions, but throughout September and October we have welcomed more joiners than in any comparable period since we started. Interestingly, several people heard about us from friends, so our name is getting around. The good news is, that there are still many jobs around, especially for people with relevant (e.g. high-tech) skills. The Thames Valley is expected to fare better than many regions in the down-turn. So if you know someone who has recently been made redundant, and does not know about us, send them our way. We'll give them a warm welcome and an even warmer congratulations when they get a job.

Newsletter (Summer 2009)

The contents of this newsletter include:

• Chairman's update - this recession has hit white collar workers hard; we now have over 80 job seekers
• What - no summer break? - Because of demand we ran a special programme during August, when we would normally take a break
• In the News - we have been featured in various news programmes on BBC and ITV
• A job seeker profile - how one of our job seekers opted for a 'portfolio career' rather than a full-time job
• Changes to our offering - including new in-depth CV 'masterclasses'
• A volunteer profile - how our vice-chairman came to us after 28 years in the RAF
• Workshop feature: telephone tips - how to use the phone effectively when seeking a job

Download the newsletter (PDF file; opens in a new window)

For Earlier News ...

Go to our news archive, which also features our first newsletter.

This page last updated 23rd February 2010

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.