Stockport Council has relaunched its Jobs Match website, connecting residents with local jobs, training opportunities and careers advice.
The new-look website launched on 21st December to prepare for those embarking on a New Year job search and can also assist residents looking for guidance during the current lockdown such as access support and information about their rights.
The website was initially set up during the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK to help jobseekers find key worker and frontline support jobs during the first national lockdown. As the council continues to work proactively to support local employers and jobseekers during these challenging times, the new website has been designed to feel more aspirational for users.
Stockport Jobs Match now provides a wider range of information for jobseekers including careers guidance and access to training on top of live vacancies. The newly launched Job Board, Training Directory and Careers Hub will help people make a positive change to their career in 2021.
In the first two weeks since its relaunch over the Christmas period, the site has advertised 1,118 jobs and received over 3,800 website visitors. At the time of writing there are 163 urgent temporary vacancies listed for jobs to start immediately.
Since it was first set up in April 2020, the site has processed over 1900 job seekers, with 12,000 CVs sent to employers for matching jobs.
What’s new?
1. 1000s of jobs to apply for
The new website brings together 1000s of vacancies in one place, helping job seekers to save time on their job search and signpost to a higher volume of local opportunities across Stockport, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. From urgent temporary roles to start immediately, to part-time and full-time permanent jobs, as well as home-working, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.
Jobseekers can upload multiple versions of their CV and apply for jobs in a few clicks, whilst also setting up job alerts to be kept informed about the latest jobs as soon as they’re added.
2. Access to local training providers, courses, and events
The website now features a Training Directory, listing local providers and their courses to help individuals access a mix of online, in-person and blended learning, as well as upcoming careers and community events. Many courses are free and can be completed remotely. They range from school and college leaver to adult learners.
3. Comprehensive Careers Advice and Support Services
The new website expands the existing Careers Hub to feature 100s of articles and expert advice on everything from redundancy and furlough, to benefits advice and employment rights as well as signposting to specialist support services in Stockport including help returning to work following sickness and support for those with disabilities, veterans and ex-offenders.
There is a dedicated section to help support young people – including information on the Kickstart Scheme, apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience – as well as the support available from organisations like Princes’ Trust, Gander and UA92.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said:
Since its launch in March last year, Jobs Match has become an incredibly effective tool in supporting local jobseekers – initially by connecting them to urgent temporary jobs.
“Over the past nine months, demand has grown and more features have now been added to help signpost people to thousands of available jobs as well as local training providers, courses and events. This will help support more people into employment, as well as helping them to learn new skills and develop their careers.”
The Jobs Match service also helps to support Stockport businesses to create jobs or retain existing staff by upskilling their workforce.
Employers can advertise their jobs free-of-charge to recruit local talent. They can log-in and create their own Employer Profile, including logo, video, and key information about their services, application process and the benefits of joining their team.
They can post an unlimited number of job vacancies, and receive CVs by email or by linking to their own careers website as part of their usual recruitment process. A self-serve log-in lets businesses monitor how many views and clicks their advert has received.
Employers can also find out other ways to grow their workforce – from accessing the Kickstart Scheme to hiring apprentices or recruiting volunteers – as well as retaining and developing their existing teams (such as training courses, mental health and wellbeing support, supported employment schemes and local funding initiatives).
Similarly training providers and support services can list their company, training courses, events and news free-of-charge to help increase awareness of their offer and receive more referrals.