Off The Bench

QPR in the Community Trust and Totaljobs are working in partnership to help local unemployed get back to work.

Off the Bench is an exciting new programme run by totaljobs.com and QPR in the Community Trust to help local unemployed get back to work. Working with people aged 35 and over who live in and around the W12 area and have been unemployed for more than 6 months, the programme delivers a range of skills to help jobseekers back into employment.

Getting match fit

Experts trained for the Off the Bench programme work with participants to build confidence, skills and job prospects through sport, classroom activities and mentoring. Using the unique setting of the Loftus Road Stadium and the motivational power of sport, learners are engaged in the following activities:

Off the Bench will work with you to build your confidence, skills and job prospects through sport, classroom activities and mentoring.

• Where to start – how to search for jobs and find local recruiters
• How to write CVs and application forms – know your skills and how to sell them
• Managing your online reputation
• Verbal and non-verbal skills – it’s not just what you say that counts
• How to shine in an interview
• How to increase your employability through courses and further learning

On completion of the programme participants will have the opportunity for accreditation and work experience, and will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at Loftus Road to celebrate their successes.

John Salt, Director of totaljobs.com, said: “I’m delighted to be continuing our partnership with QPR Trust in which we offer our expertise to make a real difference to the local community. As the public sector shrinks and the jobs market becomes tougher than ever, it’s vital that initiatives like ours exist to provide jobseekers with a route back to work.”

Andy Evans, QPR Trust’s CEO, said: “Our mission is to inspire change in the communities in which we operate. As a responsible football club in London, it is our job to equip disenfranchised groups with the right skills and the partnership with Totaljobs.com will ensure that the correct support is given to these groups. We hope this will become an example to other private and third sector organisations to work together for the greater good.”

Making the squad

The current Off the Bench programme is fully booked, however, we are planning to start a new programme in 2012, so keep your eyes and ears open.