FAQ
1. What is the Ability 1st Project about?
Ability 1st is an employment advice project that will help 88 disabled and unemployed people over the year gain nationally recognised qualifications and find employment.
Ability 1st students can access any of the job search quality training and specialist support services that are provided by SHARE Community and our project partners totally free of charge.
2. Who can join Ability 1st?
You can join Ability 1st if:-
- You have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to dy activities, and
- You are unemployed
3. Does it matter where I live?
Ability 1st is a Wandsworth project, this means that you MUST live in Wandsworth to be able to join Ability 1st and make use of the employment advice, training and support services that will enable you to move along a path towards employment.
4. What kinds of training courses are available?
You can work towards qualifications in computing, business administration and basic skills.
You can also access extra activities for example yoga, health eating and life coaching.
5. How long will I be on this project?
You can access the courses up to a maximum of two years.
6. How many days a week will I be attending the course?
Students are required to attend the course 2 days a week.
7. What qualifications can I achieve?
You can work towards National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Business Administration.
You can also achieve Computer Literacy and Information Technology (CLAiT) certification in IT.
You can achieve Entry Level 1-3 in Literacy and Numeracy.
8. Where will the project take place?
At the SHARE Community Training Centre, at 336 Brixton Road, located between Brixton and Kennington and at the Altenburg Gardens Training Centre at Clapham Junction.
9. Will I receive any travel expenses?
Support is available to assist with 50% of your travel costs.
10. Will I lose my benefits?
No. If you are receiving any form of benefits you will continue to receive them as the training course is less than 16 hours a week.
11. What if I need extra support or help?
The Ability 1st Project is more than just a Careers Advice opportunity. We also offer life coaching in groups and one to one.
Our employment advisor will assist you to find work placements and permanent work when you are ready.
12. What happens after my training? How will I find a job?
During the programme, you will meet with our employment adviser for one-to-one guidance to help you to find suitable work experience, training to help you become prepared for work, work placements and assistance in applying for a permanent job.
13. What if I need assistance or help to start my job?
Ability 1st advisors will ensure that you receive all the relevant advice, support and access to resources, in order to start your job.
14. What happens after I find a job?
Hopefully, you'll stay in touch and let us nkow how things are going and six months after your appointment we'll contact you to make sure things are still going well.
15. This sounds perfect to me, so what do I do next?
Contact our Ability 1st team to make an appointment for an initial assessment.
