work programme after 2 years

[I survived 2 years!]

Sector-based work academy?...

 

Anyone any info on it?...

 

Well, I've been mandated to partake in a Sector-based work academy. It lasts for 3 weeks in total, 2 full college days per week. So, 6 full college days doing courses like Food hygiene & Health & safety etc...

 

This is for a Temporary job at Dr Oetker Pizza's! lol. So, I've got to take part doing a college course to learn how to put toppings on pizza's, well that's what I'm guessing!

 

I'm unsure how much this course is costing the government? And what for? A Temp contract over Xmas!!! It's not like it's difficult to put toppings on pizzas is it! lmao!

 

Can anyone give me any info regarding this Sector-based work academy? Cheers.

[I survived 2 years!]

I've been reading up on this Sector Based Work Academy and it's not compulsory at all! My Advisor signed me up for it, and asked me to sign a piece of paper... which now I know I should have refused.

 

Once signed, which I've done... I now have to complete the 3 weeks.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

I've been reading up on this Sector Based Work Academy and it's not compulsory at all! My Advisor signed me up for it, and asked me to sign a piece of paper... which now I know I should have refused.

 

Once signed, which I've done... I now have to complete the 3 weeks.

Even if you signed, you may not been provided with suitable information, and therefore Informed Consent was not applicable when you signed up.... make it clear that, on the basis of your current skill set, you could whatever jobs are on offer, and would be happy to attend a job interview with the company. However, make it clear that you are reconsidering your decision to participate within a Sector Based Work Academy.

[Flickyhecky]

Signing on is starting to stress me out big time!

 

My advisor wrote out a new agreement the other month, have to apply for 20 jobs a fortnight, but didn't notice that she also put i had to do 20 actions a week, that's 40 a fortnight! (i've just about coped with just 10-15 a fortnight), so the person signing me on warned me about it.

 

Any tips on how to pad out my work diary? Still not on UJ yet, but was just reading about something that screws it up when they check (did i read that right?), i'm setting up a cheap and cheerful account just to keep them happy, so want to try this thing out on them next time i sign on!

 

Went on a course last week that basically told me my CV was all wrong, so it's being re-written.

 

It's getting to the point where i actually want to do the MWP just to get them off my back!

[Perseus1]

Signing on is starting to stress me out big time!

 

My advisor wrote out a new agreement the other month, have to apply for 20 jobs a fortnight, but didn't notice that she also put i had to do 20 actions a week, that's 40 a fortnight! (i've just about coped with just 10-15 a fortnight), so the person signing me on warned me about it.

 

Any tips on how to pad out my work diary? Still not on UJ yet, but was just reading about something that screws it up when they check (did i read that right?), i'm setting up a cheap and cheerful account just to keep them happy, so want to try this thing out on them next time i sign on!

 

Went on a course last week that basically told me my CV was all wrong, so it's being re-written.

 

It's getting to the point where i actually want to do the MWP just to get them off my back!

 

You cannot collaborate with a person who changes the rules on a whim. It is not technically possible.

 

In an employment situation there would be a "work to rule". Consult the rules and for this you need advice. "Work to Rule" seems in order.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

Signing on is starting to stress me out big time!

 

My advisor wrote out a new agreement the other month, have to apply for 20 jobs a fortnight, but didn't notice that she also put i had to do 20 actions a week, that's 40 a fortnight! (i've just about coped with just 10-15 a fortnight), so the person signing me on warned me about it.

 

Any tips on how to pad out my work diary? Still not on UJ yet, but was just reading about something that screws it up when they check (did i read that right?), i'm setting up a cheap and cheerful account just to keep them happy, so want to try this thing out on them next time i sign on!

 

Went on a course last week that basically told me my CV was all wrong, so it's being re-written.

 

It's getting to the point where i actually want to do the MWP just to get them off my back!

If the adviser is simply obsessed with "actions per week", then simply emphasize the actions that you are pursuing in applying for a single job (1 job application could involve telephoning the employer, doing a job search on a single website, creating an account, uploading a CV, sending a CV by email), plus tailoring the CV for the job (if you must), or even posting an application out.

 

Plus, there are the general approaches to the job search, such as visiting a library to read the jobs papers.

 

As for the course you went on, was the tutor a Professional Careers Adviser - if not, do you really want to be accept the subjective opinion of some clerk that your CV was wrong?

[I survived 2 years!]

Thanks Rebecca.

 

The job is more than 90 minutes away by public transport anyway, so I would need to catch 2 buses etc... Can I claim travel from my Job Centre? They've been making me come in 2-3 times a week without paying my travel?

[Mr.P]

They've been making me come in 2-3 times a week without paying my travel

 

Keep all your bus/train tickets and start being a little more forceful in requesting (demanding) travel expenses are refunded. If the front line staff refuse, insist they give you a reason in writing. Should refunds not be forthcoming, lodge a formal complaint with the DWP and send a copy to your local MP.

[I survived 2 years!]

Thanks Mr.P,

 

What about this college course I'm partaking in? Can I claim from them as well?.

 

I found out today it's funded by the European Social Fund. So, maybe I can claim something. This is a breakdown of what I'll be doing at college for 3 weeks...

 

~ 2 x qualifications. Level 2 Food Hygiene & Health & Safety.

~ Maintain product quality in food operations.

~ Maintain workplace food standards.

~ Contribute to environmental safety in food operations....

 

Any may favourite.....

 

 

~ Practical session in making Pizzas!

 

 

Oh, and I get a guaranteed job interview. I don't even like pizza! lol

[Mr.P]

What about this college course I'm partaking in? Can I claim from them as well?.

 

Oh, and I get a guaranteed job interview. I don't even like pizza! lol

 

If the Job Centre has mandated you to attend this SBWA, then provisions should be in place to refund travel expenses. Your first port of call to get a refund would be the individual that made the placement. Failing that, pester the manager at this placement.

 

A well made pizza eaten in good company can be well worth the effort. A mass produced facsimile is best left on the supermarket shelf.

[physicsgraduate]

Nearly got kicked off the dole again today (for want of a more appropriate modern terminology) again for the 3rd time. 13 weeks this time, and all for an appointment I missed. Kind of helps to let you know when these things are happening before the appointment, only they didn't. It's as though they are doing this on purpose to deliberately get people off the dole and hit targets.

 

Completely ruined my afternoon. After being stalked around the building by one of their gorillas and told politely to calm down sir, I eventually left, wasted £6 of credit on my phone and then went back in and asked for an appointment with the most senior manager in the building, who saw me immediately and was sympathetic and actually listened to me for 5 minutes without saying 'sorry I can't do anything about it, it's the rules' once.

 

Went upstairs, cam back down a few minutes later with the signing on card and gave me a pen. Problem solved.

 

Not like the time I asked to speak to an advisor manager, they are different. First time I got sanctioned I nearly managed to persuade the advisor to cut me a bit of slack this time, so he went to speak to one of his managers who unfortunately on this day happened to be Mr Jobsworth.

 

So watch out, and if you think you have been treated unfairly remain calm and ask for an appointment with the manager of the site as I think some of the advisor managers are consultants who have been drafted in to smooth things over while everything changes every 6 months. It's all down to your luck also some of the staff are really helpful, while others are not. I have to say that I really don't trust that place any more and looking forward to seeing the back of it.

[Perseus1]

Nearly got kicked off the dole again today (for want of a more appropriate modern terminology) again for the 3rd time. 13 weeks this time, and all for an appointment I missed. Kind of helps to let you know when these things are happening before the appointment, only they didn't. It's as though they are doing this on purpose to deliberately get people off the dole and hit targets.

 

Completely ruined my afternoon. After being stalked around the building by one of their gorillas and told politely to calm down sir, I eventually left, wasted £6 of credit on my phone and then went back in and asked for an appointment with the most senior manager in the building, who saw me immediately and was sympathetic and actually listened to me for 5 minutes without saying 'sorry I can't do anything about it, it's the rules' once.

 

Went upstairs, cam back down a few minutes later with the signing on card and gave me a pen. Problem solved.

 

Not like the time I asked to speak to an advisor manager, they are different. First time I got sanctioned I nearly managed to persuade the advisor to cut me a bit of slack this time, so he went to speak to one of his managers who unfortunately on this day happened to be Mr Jobsworth.

 

So watch out, and if you think you have been treated unfairly remain calm and ask for an appointment with the manager of the site as I think some of the advisor managers are consultants who have been drafted in to smooth things over while everything changes every 6 months. It's all down to your luck also some of the staff are really helpful, while others are not. I have to say that I really don't trust that place any more and looking forward to seeing the back of it.

 

The only physics graduate I know went to work in insurance. More well heeled than me and he went to grammar school. The ability to deal with other people in similar situations is something I have only got as a theory (it rarely works in practice) and seems to be needed in the insurance racket. He had a better education than me and probably ahead of me in the IQ stakes. I am OK when I get to the Tribunal though, if my case is any good. I am not sure it would be in the current climate. For me dealing with them I am the Questor and the WP Advisor is a Guard and that means the same sort of conflict I got at secondary school. A torrid time is in store.

Edited November 8, 2013 by Perseus1

[physicsgraduate]

The only physics graduate I know went to work in insurance. More well heeled and he went to grammar school.

 

Good to know. Thanks for the head's up.

[Perseus1]

I had a dream that I arrived at the Job Centre and the sign-on form wasn't there. I don't how to read this or how the system works.

 

Before that I was standing at the station when the (now redundant) steam trains went through without stopping for me. I was so disturbed by it, I forgot to sign on at the Job Centre.

Edited November 8, 2013 by Perseus1

[hatsanman]

well tomorrow i finish my 4 week mandatory work placement so last thursday when i signed on asked the question can i still work there as a volunteer only to be told im not sure as it could take up time you could use to job search. are they having a laugh as ive been there 4 weeks and a job search didnt matter then. i asked the question well would it be more constructive to just sit at home or do something which i (might ) be able to put on my cv. the form that jcp give you to apply to work as a volunteer is beyond belief aswell as it asks, are you being paid so i put no, why are you not being paid was the next question. who really thinks these forms and ideas up. here is a classic case of why folks just give up. i thought id do something with my time where im putting something back only to have barriers put in the way by good old jcp the people who are there to help us , what a joke.

[jasta11]

Signing on is starting to stress me out big time!

 

My advisor wrote out a new agreement the other month, have to apply for 20 jobs a fortnight, but didn't notice that she also put i had to do 20 actions a week, that's 40 a fortnight! (i've just about coped with just 10-15 a fortnight), so the person signing me on warned me about it.

 

Any tips on how to pad out my work diary? Still not on UJ yet, but was just reading about something that screws it up when they check (did i read that right?), i'm setting up a cheap and cheerful account just to keep them happy, so want to try this thing out on them next time i sign on!

 

Went on a course last week that basically told me my CV was all wrong, so it's being re-written.

 

It's getting to the point where i actually want to do the MWP just to get them off my back!

 

As far as 'actions' go, you could do this..

 

1. Go to computer and switch it on with the intention of jobsearching = 1 action

2. Look at 6 jobsites (don't even have to actually look for jobs, just go onto them for a few seconds) = 6 actions (10 jobsites =10 actions, etc)

3. Find a job you want to apply for = 1 action

4. If it's external application, open your personal email account for the purpose of applying = 1 action

5. Amend your CV to fit the job criteria = 1 action

6. Amend your cover letter to fit the job description = 1 action

7. Send the application = 1 action

8. Write the job up in your job log = 1 action

9. Check your email account 3 times later in the day to see if you've had any reply as you're dead keen on the job = 3 actions

10. Check next day and every other day until you sign on again to see if you've had a reply = possibly up to 14 actions

 

 

That's at least 20 valid, relevant actions fulfilled for just one job. If I'm ever mandated to start doing this, then that's what I'll give the JC.

 

Of course it's silly and childish doing all this, but if the Jobcentre is going to take the p*** by asking then we should respond in kind

[Chester6]

Getting dressed for windows spec one action, cleaning teeth is two, travelling there as 3

This is so tempting for me

[Bakatcha]

Getting dressed for windows spec one action, cleaning teeth is two, travelling there as 3

This is so tempting for me

Cutting toenails = 10 actions.

[Chester6]

Cutting toenails = 10 actions.

 

More if you include getting the scissors, proper posture etc

[sillygirl1]

A friend and I spent an enjoyable afternoon dreaming up daft jobs and reasons we were rejected - some of the list was

 

1. Had scaffolder in to install scaffold pole in bedroom to practice pole dancing for audition for adult films

2. Applied to Virgin to be intergalactic stewardess but told would be of retirement age when training began

3. Applied to be a Lollipop lady but was rejected because didn't have a sweet tooth

4. Applied to be a window cleaner but was rejected because scared of heights

 

there were quite a few 'adult themed' ones.

 

Luckily at the moment I haven't had to bother the JCP lot as I have a temp job until Christmas, and it is very well paid and the people are very nice. I spent a whole day re-writing my CV making it far more 'specialist' and got a job via an agency within two hours of posting it up.

 

Hope everybody else is bearing up under the stupidity of the JSA system.

[Mr.P]

Luckily at the moment I haven't had to bother the JCP lot as I have a temp job until Christmas, and it is very well paid and the people are very nice.

 

 

Hope it all goes well and that they may extend the contract well in to the new year.

[RebeccaPidgeon]

A friend and I spent an enjoyable afternoon dreaming up daft jobs and reasons we were rejected - some of the list was

 

1. Had scaffolder in to install scaffold pole in bedroom to practice pole dancing for audition for adult films

2. Applied to Virgin to be intergalactic stewardess but told would be of retirement age when training began

3. Applied to be a Lollipop lady but was rejected because didn't have a sweet tooth

4. Applied to be a window cleaner but was rejected because scared of heights

 

there were quite a few 'adult themed' ones.

 

Luckily at the moment I haven't had to bother the JCP lot as I have a temp job until Christmas, and it is very well paid and the people are very nice. I spent a whole day re-writing my CV making it far more 'specialist' and got a job via an agency within two hours of posting it up.

 

Hope everybody else is bearing up under the stupidity of the JSA system.

 

Pleased to learn that you have a temp job - although it may only last until christmas, it may also lead to a longer term job within the company.

Edited November 13, 2013 by RebeccaPidgeon
Additional Information Submitted

[jasta11]

I spent a whole day re-writing my CV making it far more 'specialist' and got a job via an agency within two hours of posting it up.

 

That's the advice the WP should be giving; it's not about 'what goes where' it's simply about making your CV fit each application.

 

Hope your job becomes permanent!

[BrightonBeach]

Hi everyone

 

Two questions for you guys. I currently sign on once per week, with my 35 job activities per week documented on Universal Jobmatch, no problem.

 

1. Can I claim my bus fare for one of those signing on?

 

2. I'm being paid JSA weekly, instead of fortnightly, is that right?

 

Many thanks for your replies.

[I survived 2 years!]

60 job activities a week for me!

 

Sent me to college twice a week...

 

Attend Job Centre twice a week...

 

MAKING MY LIFE HELL!!!

Edited November 14, 2013 by I survived 2 years!