Services for Adults

Employability support is offered either in a group setting or on a 1:1 basis. The process begins with an informal meeting to discuss your individual learning needs. The learning environment is relaxed and friendly, and learning materials are identified to fit with your individual learning plan. Whether you are seeking work, or in work and looking for a change in career, support is on offer. 

Employability Support

Are you seeking employment, or would like to return to education or training? East Lothian Works offers tailored employability support to: 

• Explore possible career paths
• Develop employability essentials (CV and application forms) 
• Build up your interview skills 
• Gain an SQA qualification in Employability 
• Potentially undertake a work placement

Skills for Work

Delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College, Skills for Work is designed to enable learners to explore vocational pathways in a supportive, community-based setting.

Offering entry-level SQA units in Early Learning and Childcare, the programme is designed for learners who would like to get back into learning or are thinking about going to college. Studying one morning a week at Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre, Skills for Work offers an ideal opportunity for adults wishing to build their skills and confidence, and explore new study and career horizons.

For many of our learners, Skills for Work provides that first step towards full-time learning at Edinburgh College.

Programme includes:

• Studying SQA units in a supportive environment, delivered by Edinburgh College tutors
• Registration as an Edinburgh College student
• Employability support through a range of East Lothian Works' services
• Core Skills support including Adult Literacy and Numeracy and ICT Skills
• Option to undertake a work placement or volunteering
• Potential to benefit from the Parental Employability Support Fund

James' story

James' JobCentre Plus work coach referred him to East Lothian Works. Having been out of work for a decade while he provided full-time care for his son, James didn't have an up-to-date CV or IT skills.

Help to write a CV

James was given support to write a CV and a covering letter. He was encouraged to volunteer at the Men's Shed which gave him an up to date reference and relevant experience to add to his CV. He followed this up with a volunteering role in the Council's Countryside Ranger Service. James enjoyed learning new skills and meeting people and his confidence, skills and knowledge grew. He decided to apply to become a Seasonal Amenity Operative post with in the Council.

Support for interview

It had been some time since James had last applied for a job so he was guided by East Lothian Works when completing the application form. The team also arranged for James to have a mock interview where he was provided with advice and guidance on interview techniques.

A permanent job

James was delighted to be offered the post and was keen to be trained on all aspects of the role thereby learning new skills and contributing as a valuable member of the Amenity Services team. After six months working with the service, James successfully secured - a job he holds now, more than three years on. It's an active role working mainly outdoors and one which he really enjoys, saying: "I love it, I've been doing so much stuff, I'm here, there and everywhere. It's great."