Access2Employment has a dedicated Parental Employment Team that work with West Lothian parents to help them find work or progress within their current employment.
What is the Parental Employment Service?
The service offers dedicated advisers that work alongside parents to create a personalised action plan which considers all aspects of family life, and details the steps and support needed to achieve their goals. 1:1 support is offered at every stage of the employment journey to ensure individuals are in the best position to gain the employment they desire.
How can it help you?
Dedicated 1:1 advisers support parents to identify the career goals, aspirations and routes into employment or career progression for those parents currently employed. Assistance is also provided with interview preparation, application forms, CV’s, supporting statements, job searching, transferable skills and much more.
In addition to the 1:1 adviser support, the service can help remove barriers to employment through funding towards –
- Driving lessons
- Training/qualifications for entering or progressing in employment
- Starting self-employment
- First month of childcare
- Travel assistance
- Parental welfare funds for parents moving from benefits into employment
Parental Employment Recruitment Incentive
Are you a business that would like to recruit? The parental ERI provides 50% of eligible parents salary costs for 26 weeks based on the real living wage up to 40 hours per week.
This funding is available to businesses
- Based in West Lothian and employ 250 employees or less.
- Can offer family friendly working conditions
- Will agree to pay the Real Living wage or above
For more information or to apply please click here.
Eligibility
All West Lothian parents will be entitled to employment support, however, funding priority will be given to parents that identify under one of the following priority groups -
- Lone parent
- Parent with a disability or disabled child
- Parent of 3+ children
- Parent of child under 1
- Parent aged under 25
To request more information, please email pesf@westlothian.gov.uk or complete our registration form here.
Support for Self-Employed Parents
Are you a self-employed parent? Wherever you are in your self-employment journey, our team can help you grow your business by providing funding opportunities, valuable support, and expert guidance.
Click below to learn more about the support available!
Turn Your Hobby Into Your Business
Do you have a hobby that you've mastered? Why not turn it into a business and make some extra cash? You will receive 1:1 support from your dedicated business adviser who will provide expert advice and highlight funding opportunities.
Click below to learn more about the support available!
Individual Training Grant
If you are a West Lothian resident and the parent of a dependent child, you may be eligible for up to £2000 of funding to spend towards training and upskilling to improve your career prospects. This funding can be used towards learning a new skill, gaining a new qualification or certificate, or simply refreshing your existing skillset.
Click below to learn more about the Individual Training Grant!