Jobs 

“London Development Agency (LDA) – Public Sector BME Programme”

The LDA has awarded a grant to PATH National Ltd to provide routes into sustainable employment and improved pathways into higher level jobs across the public sector targeting BME communities.

Background

Unemployment rates for BME groups are generally higher than for the white population. In much of the public sector BME groups are well represented, however in a number of fields there remains a concern that the workforce is unrepresentative of the wider community.  In particular in a number of sub-sectors, whilst overall employment rates are representative, there is often a bias towards BME employment in lower level jobs. At the same time there is a growing recognition that delivery of public services can be improved if the workforce better reflects the community it serves.  

Scope and Objectives

The overall aim of the project is to reduce barriers to employment and progression of BME groups within the public sector. By working in partnership with different public sector organisations we (PATH) aim to identify occupations and job roles where BME communities are under-represented and develop short-term responses.  PATH will establish the business cases for intervention and ensure that partner organisations are aware of equal opportunities with a view to developing responses that are integral to the employers HR function.

 Our objective is to provide support to BME employees through Management Development programmes and those looking for work in the public sector, through the provision of training opportunities. 

 The LDA funding allows for PATH to support a number of individuals and organisations. If you think your organisation would benefit from this project or have any queries,
please contact: Anusha Wijeyakumar – Project Manager on 020 7001 2000 or email [email protected]            

PATH National Limited

PATH National is a skills development organisation, which aims to provide training and work programmes targeted at people from ethnic minorities.  Our mission is to address under-representation and inequalities of Black and Minority Ethnic groups in management and the professions by providing support to individuals and organisations, wishing to create a workforce that reflects our diverse communities.  We have over 20 years experience and have trained more than 2000 men and women from BME communities for professional careers.

The traineeship programmes cover a wide range of industries and sectors, including Housing, Environmental Health, Construction, Finance and Planning.  Training is provided through on-the-job experience with an employer, day release for college/university and complementary short courses to assist with personal development of the individual.  Personal Advisors carry out reviews regularly to ensure that both, trainee and employer are happy with the programme and progress is being made.  Following training the trainee is ‘armed’ with skills and qualifications that enables them to secure employment in open competition on merit.

PATH National also runs Management Development Programmes (MDPs) for employers who wish to up-skill their staff and are targeted at professionals who wish to progress to middle or senior management roles.  The programmes run for a year and are validated by Edexcel. The programmes have been highly successful, with 95% of those trained going on to obtain full-time employment or undertake further education within four months of completing their course.

We work with a range of employers to offer tailored programmes that increase the employability of current and new entrants into a sector through a combination of work-based, academic and personal development opportunities, providing employers with the opportunity to meet skills shortages and equality and diversity objectives.

If you would like to know more about PATH National or our services please contact Anusha Wijeyakumar on 0207 001 2000 or email [email protected].