Coventry training provider helping people into work by training next generation of work coaches

A leading training provider is playing a key part in a major drive to help people get back into work – by training the next generation of work coaches at job centres around the Midlands.

Coventry-based PET-Xi is working alongside the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) to recruit and prepare Coventry and Warwickshire residents to apply for 117 vacancies in the civil service.

PET-Xi is offering a Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) – a bespoke course designed to cover everything needed to become a successful work coach, as well as other roles within the Civil service.

The course will cover understanding various benefits such as Universal Credit, how to build trust and rapport with customers, and the Civil Service Code of Conduct that all civil servants must abide by.

It also includes work experience at job centres, as well as a Q&A with a current civil servant around life working for the DWP.

Leia Welland, Head of Skills at PET-Xi, said: "A well-staffed and capable civil service is crucial for delivering essential services to the public. We are pleased to be supporting the Department for Work & Pensions with their recruitment drive to bring skilled and dedicated individuals into civil service roles.

“Having the right people in place will allow the DWP to effectively serve communities across the country. We encourage talented and motivated applicants who want to make a difference to consider joining the civil service at this important time. The work they do impacts the lives of local residents.”

“We are proud to assist the DWP in finding and hiring the right candidates to fill these vital public service positions."

Craig Guest, Coventry Jobcentre Employer Manager, said: “Helping the region’s unemployed find meaningful work is a crucial function of the DWP and jobcentres, and now is the perfect time for people to consider a career as a work coach and play a key role in making this happen.

“We know that PET-Xi is one of the best organisations in the region in creating and delivering bespoke courses that give candidates the perfect grounding for work in particular area, so it was an easy decision to approach them to create this SWAP course.

“I can say from experience that helping people find work is one of the most rewarding careers out there. It makes an incredible difference to people’s lives, and helps grow the region’s economy too.

“I would therefore encourage anyone interested to get in touch with PET-Xi and sign up to the course.”

Anyone interested in taking the course and working for the Civil Service should contact PET-Xi on 024 7531 1814 or email courses@pet-xi.co.uk