JETS - Job Entry Targeted Support
JETS ended in March 2023. It helped people in our boroughs who had been unemployed and claiming benefits for between 13 weeks and 6 months to find work.
The JETS scheme (no longer running), which was part of the DWP Work and Health Programme started in mid-October 2020 as part of the Government response to the significant increase in unemployment due to the pandemic. Local London received £10M funding due to the huge increases in universal credit claims in our sub-region.
Part of our portfolio of employment support for people in our sub-region, by the time the scheme ended in 2023, it had helped over 9,000 people in our sub-region get back into work, and was recognised by the DWP for its achievements.
26,000+
residents helped by Local London employment programmes
9,000+
helped back to work by our award-winning JETS programme
Who was the JETS programme for?
The programme was for people who had been unemployed and claiming benefits for 13+ weeks and under 6 months and were unlikely to find work by themselves.
JETS provided targeted support to help them to find work, and we quickly found that participants needed a greater level of support than anticipated. As a result, our programme included wrap-around support including debt and financial management advice as well as light-touch mental health support for all participants and bereavement support if needed.
We received huge demand for our award-winning JETS programme, and it was extended by the DWP, however it is no longer running as of March 2023. You can find out more about our other employment programmes on this site.
The JETS scheme provided help with IT skills, job searching, CV writing, interview support and support to consider different employment sectors, routes and ways of working including home working. Clients could also access mental health support to develop self-belief and self-motivation and build confidence.
Ian's story: Christmas saved by JETS
When Ian*, a licensed forklift driver from Enfield, was referred to the JETS scheme he was doubtful that it would help, but as a self-confessed “natural provider” he was prepared to try anything to get a job and look after his family.
Ian says “When I was first introduced to the scheme I didn’t think it would work because you get told about these courses and most of the time it’s against threat of sanctions…I was in dire need. I was on Universal Credit and it wasn’t enough for me to live on or provide for my family. I’m a natural provider, I wanted to work! So, I thought ‘okay’ let’s give it a shot.
"I spoke to my advisor, then the next thing I know, he calls again and he said ‘if you’re ready, you can start as a forklift driver here on Monday.’ And when he told me that – and I’m a strong person – I was nearly in tears because I knew he’d saved my kids’ Christmas and mine….
“It’s so effective, they found me a job in about a day! It’s better than the agencies. And I was signed up to like 25 agencies, and I was calling them all several times a day to see if they had a job and nothing. I owe JETS and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.”
Maria's story: transferring skills to retail
Previously a childminder, Maria Debenham from Newham, had not worked for a business for over 22 years, so was lacking up-to-date experience.
Although keen to get a job, Maria was unsure of where to start when she was referred to the Job Entry: Targeted Support (JETS) service in June for support.
Her advisor, helped Maria identify her transferable skills and set about creating a new CV, as well as employability skills, job-searching, and interview techniques.
Maria was easily able to form strong relations, work methodically and had great communication skills. As Maria’s confidence grew so did her ability to understand the numerous ways to apply for different job roles, including customer services. However, many of the vacancies she applied for required recent experience.
Undeterred, Maria continued to apply and eventually interviewed for a Sales Assistant role with a large retailer in October.
Maria successfully conveyed her abilities to be empathetic and work in a methodical manner to deal with customer queries showing how she can adapt to differing and sometimes demanding situations. As a result she was offered the position.
Maria continued to be supported by the in-work-support team to ensure she settled back into the world of work.
We’re looking for support from businesses, NHS and others
We are looking for support from businesses, health professionals, not-for-profits and others who can help us support people who are not in work, or at risk of falling out of work.
Find out more about Trailblazers and Connect to Work on this site.
