NextStep Service
Recession Could Be Opportunity to Take the Next Step
Organisations across Birmingham and Solihull are being encouraged to take advantage of a free careers and advice service which can help people develop new skills and enhance their career prospects during the current recession.
The service, called nextstep, is available to anyone aged 20 and over and offers completely independent advice and support based on what is best for the individual and their current situation, whether they are employed, unemployed or facing the possibility of redundancy.
Organisations of any size, including businesses, unions, educational institutions and children's centres, can use the free service to help employees and members improve skills within their current job, or support them through redundancy by identifying transferable skills and training opportunities helping them progress with their career.
John Ling, CEO at BXL, the Birmingham social enterprise company that delivers the nextstep service, comments:
"For many organisations and individuals the recession means having to rethink the future. Whether you are supporting people who are being made redundant, training existing staff or simply helping those who are facing new challenges, the message is clear - be prepared."
Organisations can use nextstep through either group or individual sessions to help people:
- Understand the current job market and opportunities available
- Explore ways to progress in their job and career
- Search and apply for new jobs
- Improve their interview skills and CV
- Match skills and interests with a job or career
- Learn about funding to support learning.
"Curiously the recession could prove to be a positive experience for some people. It can actually present an opportunity to develop new skills, reassess choices and start out on a new pathway, either within an existing role or in a completely new career.. We aim to help organisations enable their employees or members to reach their goals, whatever the challenges."
Organisations looking to book a session with a nexstep advisor or know more about the service should call
0121 423 8292 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Individuals aged 20 years or over, who are employed, unemployed or facing redundancy, can also access the service by calling the same number.
nextstep is a free, friendly careers advice service for anyone aged 20 or over. The service offers a wide range of information and advice to help people improve their skills, achieve new qualifications and find the right job.
- The free service is available across the region and is being operated by BXL at the following locations:
- Connexions, Charter House
100 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1AE - Connexions Erdington
257 High Street, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6SR - Connexions Northfield
1 Vineyard Road, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 1PG - Connexions Chelmsley Wood
289 Bosworth Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, B37 5DP
- Connexions, Charter House
BXL is a social enterprise company based in Birmingham which has a clear mission - to help people become Ready for Work. BXL Services Limited was formerly known as Birmingham and Solihull Connexions (Services) Limited.
