Careers, Employment, Information, Advice and Guidance Service (CEIAG) – DSTPN
We provide free support with careers, training, education and finding work. We can help with CVs, job applications, interviews, volunteering and benefits advice
Somerset Employment and Skills
We provide free support with careers, training, education and finding work. We can help with CVs, job applications, interviews, volunteering and benefits advice
Help to progress with the NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) to EET (Engagement in education, employment and training) journey
Discovery, part of Dimensions, supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities, behaviours of distress and complex health needs across the South West.
This is how we do it:
Building stronger communities and helping passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local causes and inspiring local giving and philanthropy.
We work in partnership with individuals, business, charitable trusts and the public sector to build stronger communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Since 2002 we’ve awarded over £35 million of funding to thousands of charities.
We believe in fostering ambition and unlocking potential, not just focusing on exam results. That’s why our motto is: DEGREES FOR REAL LIFE.
At UCS, we value individual talents, aspirations, and the unique paths each of our students take on their journey to success. We’re not just about textbooks and tests. We’re about cultivating confidence, nurturing skills, and providing practical, real-world experiences that transform our students into professionals.
Through our strong partnerships with major employers, we provide our students with not just a degree, but a comprehensive toolbox of skills, knowledge, and experiences that translate seamlessly into their future careers.
If you have a disability, long-term health condition or complex non-health barrier which has made getting into and staying in employment difficult, Connect to Work could help you.
Somerset Council is fully committed to supporting our businesses and their employees who could be facing redundancy.
Working with our partners across Somerset we are in a strong position to provide a package of support aimed at minimising the impact to individuals. The support aims to help people back into work as quickly as possible and support business growth.
Get free support (opens in a new tab; external site) to develop the skills and confidence you need to find a job or start a business.
Explore Supported Employment Vacancies on Imagine the Possibilities website
An innovative range of new post-16 options resources have been created that will help families, teachers and students understand and navigate the processes involved in moving from school into the many different post-16 options that are available – especially for those with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities.
We provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their spouses, partners and children.
Weston College offers free support and training to help you if you’re unemployed or economically inactive and seeking work. We have specialist programmes for people aged 19+
Programmes are delivered face-to-face occasionally in Somerset. Remote courses are available all year, and you will need access to a computer and the internet for these.
Please see the webpage link below to see the latest courses.
Are you 16-25 and looking to build confidence, boost your skills, and figure out your next steps? The King’s Trust offers two programmes with Weston College, a 4-week Achieve programme and a 12-week Team programme. You don’t have to choose; you can do both! You can start with Achieve and then move on to the Team programme.
Please see the webpage link below to see a full breakdown of each programme.
The Spark iT project helps Somerset residents who need help with digital skills and support. We set up Digital Cafés and drop-in centers in community spaces across the county. Our friendly volunteers, called Digital Champions, run these free events. They are open to everyone, no matter how old you are or how much you know about technology.
Discover new opportunities for your skills development through Employer-led Dorset and Somerset Skills Bootcamps
The Employment Hubs are a free employment support service covering Taunton, West Somerset, Wellington, Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea.
SWAPs help local people who are unemployed learn new skills for jobs in areas like care, construction, digital, and warehousing. They are run by Jobcentre Plus to help businesses find workers with the right skills.
Each SWAP lasts up to six weeks and includes:
Training: Learn skills that match what employers need.
Work Experience: Get hands-on practice and earn qualifications.
We have a directory called ‘Your Future Sorted’ that helps you find out about training and career options in Somerset.
Somerset Council offers an iPad loaning scheme. Members of selected Somerset Libraries (16 and over) can borrow a device for up to six weeks free of charge
CHARIS and Somerset County Council have set up Welcome Hubs in Somerset. These hubs help refugees, asylum seekers, and their sponsors by providing support and information.
Skills Elevators are tools that show you different job roles and what you need to do those jobs. They help you see the skills and behaviors needed for each job. Skills Elevators also give you information on where to get support, and find colleges or apprenticeships to help you learn and start your career.
Seetec Pluss is a leading provider of work and wellbeing services that inspires thousands of people to find and progress in work each year.
Together with Pluss, our specialist social enterprise, we empower people to discover and realise their unique potential.
SomersetWorks no longer exists in its current form. SomersetWorks Transition Coordinators have become Learning Mentors in the newly formed Virtual School.
Most of the existing SomersetWorks offer will feature in the new Virtual School.
Learn about the different degree-level qualifications available in Somerset, like Degree Apprenticeships and other higher education options.
Higher education is third-level education after you leave school. It takes place at universities and Further Education colleges, and normally includes undergraduate and postgraduate study. You can find out more information on our Higher Education page (opens in a new tab; external site), which also covers support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
We work with every state-funded secondary school, special educational needs school, alternative provision & post 16 college, helping them to link with local employers to deliver high quality careers support for students.
Service Wide range of courses designed for adults aged 19+ to develop new interests, build confidence and increase their skills, knowledge, and employability.
Courses include engaging families through nature conservation, building financial resilience, developing essential skills to promote inclusion for refugees, community enterprise, health and wellbeing, essential skills including maths, English and digital skills and confidence building.
We are a not-for-profit organisation that offers free, impartial Apprenticeship and skills advisory services to Somerset people and businesses.