We Are Group, a leading provider of digital skills training, has partnered with Serco to manage and deliver digital skills training as part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Restart Scheme. The Restart Scheme supports eligible jobseekers with tailored support to find work in their local area.
We Are Group’s contract is with Serco, a service delivery partner for governments around the world. Serco serve as the DWP's prime contractor delivering the Restart Scheme in West Central England and Wales.
Digital skills are essential for job searching. Many jobs are only advertised online and most only accept online applications or CVs by email. Serco have partnered with We Are group to ensure their Restart Scheme participants have the digital skills they need to access job opportunities.
We Are Group will deliver digital skills training to up to 2,000 individuals across West Central England, capturing and sharing the data with Serco to ensure the success and impact of the Restart Scheme is recognised.
The aim of the partnership is to uplift unemployed individuals with no or low digital skills to aid their journey into sustainable employment.
Serco and its delivery partners will identify and refer participants on the Restart Scheme who need digital skills training to We Are Group who will deliver the training. The training sessions will be delivered in a face-to-face group setting, with 8-10 individuals per session.
We Are Group will provide two courses to these participants depending on their abilities: Fundamental Digital Skills and Intermediate Digital Skills.
The Fundamental Digital Skills course provides a guided learning experience, teaching foundational digital skills. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in basic digital skills and be ready to move to intermediate level learning.
The Intermediate Digital Skills course aims to further guide learners into the digital world. The course covers topics such as online shopping and job searching, empowering participants with a selection of advanced digital skills.
Both courses provide up to 12 hours of guided learning led by expert trainers from We Are Group.
Andy Bowie, Director for Employability at Serco, said:
“Serco is dedicated to empowering every participant of the Restart Scheme to overcome obstacles on their journey to employment.
In line with this commitment, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with We Are Group to tackle the digital skills gaps through Basic and Intermediate training across West Central England.
By enabling small, supported cohorts of learners in each class, we’ve ensured Participants receive personalised attention to have the best possible learning experience and outcome. These new digital skills will help pave the way for success in their job search to re-enter the workforce."
Jonathan Prew, Managing Director at We Are Group, commented on the partnership:
“I am delighted that together, by partnering with Serco, we can provide individuals with digital skills training and support them in gaining new skills to help them overcome barriers to employment.
As a FTSE 250 organisation it is testament to Serco’s commitment to working with SMEs and community organisations. They recognise the very real benefit that can be achieved by working with organisations such as We Are Group.”
