Ashfield District Council has developed a dedicated online portal – Career Boost – to help people find local employment and training opportunities across the district.

The webpage provides practical information and introduces users to a range of organisations that offer career and job support services to help develop new and existing skills.

It is designed to help unemployed people find work or start a business, as well as helping employed people who are wanting a change in career to add to their skillset.

Coun Sarah Madigan, executive lead member for Customer Services and Strategic Planning, said: “The new Careers Boost portal is a one-stop shop for developing new skills and opportunities, and connecting people with local organisations.

“We want to give the people of Ashfield the means to access support and opportunities that can be life changing. Not everyone knows what is available or where to go to get support and information. Our hope is this becomes the next stop for people on their journey.”

Council leader Coun Jason Zadrozny added: “The development of the dedicated space has been designed to empower the people of Ashfield to develop new skills, find information and take advantage services that they didn’t know was available previously”

From help with cover letters, CVs and interview techniques to dedicated resources for those wanting to go self-employed or gain new qualifications, Careers Boost has something for everyone.

The space also helps residents who want to start a business or become self-employed. It will help them take advantage of the free business start-up courses and work with organisations like the Princes Trust, The Big House Programme and Head Start Enterprise Ashfield.