Employment and Careers

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Finding a job in Devon when your first language is not English and the qualifications and experience that you gained overseas are not always recognised by UK employers, can be extremely challenging.

Fortunately, there are plenty of organisations in Devon offering support for speakers of other languages with:

  • job searches
  • help with writing a CV and/or a letter of application
  • advice on interview techniques in UK
  • signposting to work-experience and volunteering opportunities (a great way to improve your English and add to your CV)
  • help with English for Specific Purposes – the extra English that you might need in order to work in a particular trade or profession

Library Work Clubs and other employment support: district by district

Modern libraries are not just places to borrow books, these days they are community hubs that offer a huge range of services. Devon County Council has been working in partnership with Libraries Unlimited to create a network of Work Clubs in libraries across the county. These library work clubs are open to all and can offer specialised support for Speakers of Other Languages – including one-to-one mentoring and support with finding the right job.

In addition to the library work clubs, in each area of Devon, District Councils are working with local partners to provide employment support for Ukrainian residents.

Teignbridge

Newton Abbot Library Work Club

Thursdays 10am – 1pm. Book an appointment using the email below or go to Reception and ask for “Matt”.

Teignbridge CVS (Council for Voluntary Services)

Works with Teignbridge District Council to provide support for Ukrainians living in the area, including advice and guidance on employment

West Devon and South Hams

Ivybridge Library Work Club

Fridays, 9.30am – 1.00pm

Tavistock Library (for West Devon)

Wednesdays 10.00am – 1.00pm

ODILS Academy

ODILS is working with South Hams and West Devon District councils to provide employment mentoring and support for Ukrainian residents.

North Devon and Torridge

Barnstaple Library Work Club

Tuesdays and Fridays, 10.00am – 12.00pm.

Bideford Library Work Club

Wednesdays, 9.30am – 2.00pm

Pickwell Foundation

Pickwell works with both North Devon and Torridge District Councils to provide support for Ukrainians living in the area, including advice and guidance on finding employment. See page 35 for more information about Pickwell

Mid-Devon

Tiverton Library Work Club

Tuesday 12.00pm – 3.00pm.

  • Address: Tiverton Library, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6SA. Ask for “Iain and the work club” at Reception.
  • Email: Iain Harris – iain.harris@librariesunlimited.org.uk
  • Facebook: Tiverton Work Club | Facebook

East Devon

Library Work Club

Libraries Unlimited, working in partnership with DCC’s Migration and Resettlement Team, are aiming to open a library work club in East Devon in 2024. Contact ESOL@devon.gov.uk for more information

East Devon District Council Homes for Ukraine Team

East Devon council has a dedicated team to support Ukrainians resident in the area who can offer advice and guidance on finding employment

Exeter

St Sidwell’s Drop-In (formerly known as St Sid’s Work Club)

Every Thursday 2-4pm at the community centre cafe. Drop in for a chat about how to find a job, how to write a CV, chat about money, benefits, wellbeing, and mental health support. We have laptops you can use, and we will be on hand to give you help when you need.

Depending on how busy it is, we may be able to help you on the day or we may ask you to book a 1:1 appointment for a longer chat.

Website:           https://stsidwells.org.uk/

Email:                dropin@stsidwells.org.uk

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