Two new services that provide advice and practical support for unemployed accountants are being launched by Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association.
During 2011, unemployment was the second most common reason for chartered accountants to contact CABA, and the new services have been developed with the intention of creating a structured approach to providing help.
The first, Workfriend, is a 24/7 interactive online career management system with a wealth of audio, video, written material and other tools, all supplemented by three months of access to an individual telephone career coach. This service is for those who have just come out of employment and need to refresh their job search skills.
The second, Career Coaching, is aimed at the longer term unemployed and is a face-to-face service with dedicated online support and learning events. It includes:
• A 90 minute telephone diagnostic meeting
• A professional dedicated “back to work” career coach who will create a structured three, four or six month face-to-face programme - dependant on the length of time unemployed - for each individual providing bespoke and unrestricted guidance
• Six months of access to the Career Coaching Adviceline
• Access to learning events including interview skills, networking, personal branding, working with recruiters, LinkedIn etc
• 12 months online access for additional support
• Access provided through the coach to Government agency information and advice about where best to seek help with employment and benefit rights
Helena Coxshall, Head of Operations at CABA, explained: “Almost every day, we receive more calls from unemployed accountants who are looking for help and support and, with the general economic news remaining grim, there is no sign of this situation changing, so we have taken action at CABA to introduce dedicated services.
“Workfriend and Career Coaching are designed to help those who are jobless, and especially those who have been out of work for some time, to have the best possible chance of finding work and to retain their enthusiasm. We will listen to the needs of each accountant who contacts us and guide them towards the appropriate service.
“By providing a structured programme and expert support, it could help to improve their attractiveness to potential employers and, hopefully, we will see some positive results over the course of 2012.”
Workfriend is delivered in association with Connect Assist, a respected social enterprise company, while Career Coaching is being operated in partnership with Chiumento, a well-established HR company.
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