Marvin OnumonuConnect to Work is starting up across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay to help about 6,000 people into work over the next five years.
The scheme is backed by £22.7m from the UK Government’s Get Britain Working Programme and is led by the three local authorities.
Devon County Council is leading the scheme in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.
It is aimed at disabled people, those with health conditions and people facing other barriers to getting a job.
Participants will get support from a specialist employment adviser.
Advisers will work with people to understand their career goals and support them based on health and employment needs.
The programme also helps with talking to employers, avoiding complicated application processes, and gives ongoing support after starting a job to help people stay in work.
Connect to Work goes live in Plymouth this month and will roll out in Devon and Torbay in December.
The Combined County Authority keeps a strategic role to make sure the programme fits in with wider plans for the area.
Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources at Devon County Council, said: “The Connect to Work programme is aiming to help people who could work but are currently being left behind through no fault of their own.
“Their talent is being left untapped and they’re not being given the opportunity to realise their potential.
“This scheme is looking to change that through the support on offer to not just help find work for people but to help them sustain their employment.”
Clist added: “By investing in people we can help them achieve their ambitions.
“As well as the one-to-one support for participants, employers will also be supported to promote inclusive employment practices and job development.”
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships at Plymouth City Council, said: “Connect to Work is an exciting opportunity for Plymouth, which will help break down the barriers that prevent many of our residents from accessing meaningful employment.
“By offering tailored support and creating new roles for people with lived experience, we’re not only helping individuals into work – we are building a more inclusive and resilient workforce for our city and local employers.
“This will build on our existing activity developing inclusive employment pathways, such as our supported internship programme which has been co-produced and is successfully helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities into work.”
Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said: “The Connect to Work programme will provide valuable support to residents in Torbay who are facing complex barriers to accessing or staying in employment, helping to empower them with the skills and personalised support they need to fulfil their potential and thrive.
“By working together with local partners and organisations to deliver the programme we can help to enable more inclusive employment pathways, creating stronger futures for our communities and supporting local economic growth.”
