Chester Work Zone
I had an interesting walk through town on Thursday. Yes, that’s right on Thursday. In the freezing cold and biting winds. Made of stern stuff us Poles. Anyway, being curious as I am, I ventured over to the old Blue Coat Hospital site, now known as the Blue Coat Centre, near the top end of Northgate Street. I’d often wondered what had happened to the historic old building. It turns out that several organisations have set up offices there. One of which, Chester Work Zone or The Work Zone Chester, however you prefer to call it, is located there.
Chester Work Zone
Chester Work Zone
The offices opened in July 2016, as reported by the Chester Chronicle HERE.
The Work Zones in Cheshire first opened in February 2013 in Ellesmere Port, soon followed by Winsford and Northwich.
The idea behind these Work Zones is that they provide all the support someone would need to help them get back into work under one roof.
Chester Work Zone, as the others in Cheshire, work with a range of partners. Including Job Centre Plus, local employers and local training providers to provide that overall support package.
I had a quick chat with a couple of the Chester Work Zone staff on Thursday and they were very enthusiastic and helpful. I was particularly impressed with the modern, spacious training room facility they have. As impressive as it was, one black mark. Patrick or Sian didn’t offer me a cup of coffee!!! Shame on you guys.
I won’t list all the courses they have on offer but to give you a flavour of what’s on offer…..
Chester Work Zone Courses
Course – The Full Works.
A unique course delivered over a four day period with a creative and fun approach that aims to raise aspirations, tackle low self-esteem and improve motivation and employability. This course also includes an outdoor activity day and much more. Why not give it a go!!
Venue: Chester Work Zone, Northgate Street
Course Date: 19th – 22nd March 2018
Course – Online Basics
Online Basics is a great way for attendees to get started online. The course will help you gain the skills and confidence you need to start using computers and the internet.
Venue: Storyhouse, Northgate Street
Course Date: Ongoing. The course sessions last for 1 hour; 30 minutes.
Course – The Advantage Programme
This programme is focused on on empowering learners to cope with the challenges of unemployment and job seeking by exploring confidence, self-esteem, self-talk and comfort zones. There are four sessions covering:
- Beliefs and Attitudes
- How It Works
- Self-Talk and Chocolate Box
- Comfort Zones
Venue: Chester Works
Course Date: 26th – 29th March 2018.
These are just a sample of the many useful courses on offer.
If you would like help from the Chester Work Zone, you can either telephone them on 01244 976028 or drop into the Work Zone in Northgate Street to find out how the team can help. But please remember team, if I’m passing…. a cup of coffee…..oh, and a chocolate digestive or two would be great!!
Or, you can find out more on their website by clicking HERE.
Why not pop along and have a look. You may well just find the perfect course that will help you get back into work.
Just a quick word about the Blue Coat Centre to finish off on.
The Blue Coat Centre is managed by Chester Municipal Charities and as well as Chester Work Zone, it is home for a variety of organisation such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Chester CVS, Chester Aid to the Homeless and West Cheshire College.
More information on the Bluecoat Centre can be found HERE.
