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Out of work? Not in education or training? Looking for a fresh start?

The Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Project is committed to help you move closer towards education, training or work, including self-employment.

This programme understands that everyone is unique, with different needs and requirements, impacting on their steps into the world of employment, education or training. It is led completely by the individual, providing dedicated and personalised help, guidance and support, for every person enrolled on the project through their own tailored action plan.

You will have access to a wide range of options, from confidence building and advice with job searching, to opportunities in gaining qualifications and accessing training and work experience opportunities.

Benefits

What makes the GEM Project different?

There are a range of benefits to you when signing up to the GEM Project, from personalised and financial support, to experience in the working environment. The programme is tailored around you, your needs and requirements. Find out more below.

Personalised Support

You will receive tailored 1:2:1 quality support and a personalised action plan to help you with your specific needs and requirements throughout each step of your journey.

Confidence

Throughout your journey, your Navigator Developer will help you build your confidence, self-esteem and motivation, at your own pace to support you in the right direction.

Financial Support

With access to funding options, the GEM Project will be able to pay for relevant qualifications and training opportunities, as well as providing other appropriate financial support when needed, from childcare to bus travel.

Skills and Qualifications

Through courses, training and programmes you will have the opportunity to build on existing skills or gain new knowledge and qualifications to assist you in reaching your target outcome.

Employment Experience

From support in building your CV, mock interviews and mentoring, to volunteering and placement programmes, you will have access to a wide range of options to build up relevant experience.

Your Goal

Providing you with the best opportunities based on what you want to achieve, from voluntary work, traineeships and apprenticeships, to various employment options including self-employment.

Who can join?

The GEM Project is aimed towards people who are finding it difficult to enter or re-enter the world of work and education. Perhaps you’ve been out of work for some time, you’re a parent looking to return to work after a number of years out of the workplace, or someone who has a physical or learning disability; no matter what your situation, the GEM Project is here to support and help you reach your goal.

If you meet all of the criteria listed below you may be able to join the GEM Project.

  • GEM Criteria

    Unemployed

    You must not be working or have a zero-hours contract and not be taking part in any other training or employment programme.

  • GEM Criteria

    Right to work in the UK

    You must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

  • GEM Criteria

    Delivered in Gloucestershire

    You must live, or be able to access services in Gloucestershire to take part in this programme.

  • GEM Criteria

    15 or over

    You must be at least 15 years or over to take part in the GEM Project. If you’re aged between 15 and 18 years, you must not be in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

Success Stories

Aamna

Aamna had been unemployed and a full time Mum since 2011.

The GEM Journey

Your journey starts at GEM with only 4 simple steps to help you reach your goal.

  • step1

    Step 1

    Register for the GEM Project

    Register for the programme. You can do this yourself directly, or through one of our partners or referrers. You (or someone on your behalf) will speak to the GEM Management Team to confirm a few details and check to see if you’re eligible for the project.

  • step2

    Step 2

    Meet your Navigator Developer

    This is the person who will guide you throughout your journey to your desired outcome. Whether you register yourself or via one of our referrers, you will be assigned a Navigator Developer suited to your location, interests and circumstances. They will then get in touch with you to arrange a meeting.

  • step3

    Step 3

    Devise an Action Plan

    After discussing any circumstances that have previously prevented you from achieving your goals, your Navigator Developer will work with you to develop a Personalised Action and Development Plan – a living, working document of which you have control – it can be reviewed and adapted along the way.

  • step4

    Step 4

    Meet your Goal

    Your unique, personalised plan might involve attending courses or training, confidence-boosting sessions and mentoring, mock interviews or a work placement. Whether your aim is simply to gain confidence to re-enter the world of work, or to find employment or training, on completing your bespoke journey with GEM, we hope you will have achieved your goal.

    You will now exit the GEM project.

  • Be a
    part of
    GEM!