The club will help people at all stages of their job search - from preparing a CV and filling in application forms through to interview techniques. Financial advice will be on hand, along with information about how to apply for benefits to help ease the financial strain. Anyone thinking of starting up their own business can also get advice, providing a comprehensive range of support and assistance.
The club will meet every two weeks and will include:
- local employers, such as Iceland and Bicester Village, looking to recruit
- up-to-date listings of local job vacancies
- on-line computers to help you search and apply for jobs that suit your skills
- experts on hand to help with job seekers allowance, housing benefit, careers advice and free training courses
- advice for small businesses.
Cherwell District Council's strategic director for planning, housing and economy, John Hoad, said: "Banbury Job Club has been a great success and now we're launching the idea in Bicester. We've already had thirty people contact us about coming along. In these difficult economic times, looking for a new job is harder than ever. The council is committed to maximising opportunities for job seekers and it's good to see so many organisations coming together in one place every two weeks to offer help."
Huw Jones, director for environment and economy at Oxfordshire County Council, added: "Bicester is a growing town but that doesn't mean that it's immune from the effects of this economic downturn. Banbury Job Club has been a success. If we can deliver the same for Bicester then the town will have benefited a great deal. I look forward to seeing the Job Club in operation."
The Banbury Job Cub is also changing. There will continue to be a club for Banbury job seekers every week, with the introduction of a Friday Forum with expert advisors on hand and on-line computers to help job seekers "Get that Job!" in the weeks when the full job club is in Bicester.
Anyone wanting more information can phone 01295 221866.
Added 2 June 2009.