Skills Development and Vocational Training

Personalised Skills Assessment

Every individual has different strengths and areas for development. At Solacia Cares, we begin with a thorough assessment of each person’s existing skills, interests, and career aspirations. This helps us create a customised training plan that meets their specific needs, whether they’re looking to develop essential life skills or pursue a career path.

Life Skills Training

Many of those who come to us require foundational life skills to manage their day-to-day lives more effectively. Our life skills training covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Financial Literacy: Teaching individuals how to manage a budget, save money, and handle basic financial responsibilities like paying bills, rent, and managing debts.
• Household Management: Practical lessons on running a household, from cooking and cleaning to managing utilities and maintenance, ensuring individuals feel confident and capable of living independently.
• Time Management and Organisation: Helping individuals learn how to organise their time, set achievable goals, and manage their schedules, which is crucial for personal productivity and success in the workplace.
• Interpersonal Communication: Developing effective communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for building relationships, navigating social situations, and succeeding in professional environments.

Vocational Training and Job Readiness

For those looking to enter the workforce, Solacia Cares offers a wide range of vocational training and job readiness programmes aimed at increasing employability. These programmes are designed to provide individuals with the technical skills and qualifications needed to secure sustainable employment:

• Job Search Support: Assisting individuals in searching for suitable employment opportunities, matching their skills with appropriate job openings, and guiding them through the application process.
• CV Writing and Job Application Assistance: Offering practical support in writing effective CVs, completing job applications, and crafting personalised cover letters that stand out to potential employers.
• Interview Skills and Confidence Building: Providing one-on-one coaching to help individuals prepare for job interviews, practice answering common questions, and build confidence in presenting themselves to employers.
• Professional Certifications and Apprenticeships: Partnering with local training providers and employers to offer opportunities for individuals to gain industry-recognised certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training in fields such as construction, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and more.

Digital Literacy and Technology Skills

In today’s digital world, having basic computer skills is essential for both daily life and career advancement. We offer training in:

• Basic IT Skills: Teaching individuals how to use computers, navigate the internet, and perform essential tasks such as sending emails, word processing, and managing digital documents.
• Job-Specific Software Training: Depending on the individual’s career aspirations, we also provide training in specialised software relevant to their desired field, such as office applications, customer relationship management systems, and project management tools.
• Digital Job Searching: Empowering individuals to use online platforms to search for jobs, create professional profiles, and connect with employers through platforms like LinkedIn and online job boards.

Apprenticeships and Work Placements

Solacia Cares works closely with local businesses, social enterprises, and educational institutions to provide apprenticeship opportunities and work placements for our clients. These placements offer hands-on experience in real working environments, allowing individuals to gain practical skills, build their CVs, and increase their chances of securing full-time employment. By building relationships with employers, we help to create pathways for individuals to transition from training into meaningful work.

Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment Support

For individuals with entrepreneurial ambitions, Solacia Cares provides guidance and support to help them start their own businesses or become self-employed. We offer:

• Mentorship and Networking: Connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with mentors, business networks, and support organisations that can provide advice and guidance throughout the start-up process.
• Business Planning: Helping individuals develop business ideas, create business plans, and understand the basics of entrepreneurship.
• Access to Funding and Grants: Providing information on available grants, loans, and other funding opportunities to help them get their businesses off the ground.

Ongoing Support and Mentorship

Skills development doesn’t end once training is completed. At Solacia Cares, we provide ongoing support through mentorship programmes, and, where possible, we aim to pair individuals with experienced professionals in their field of interest. While we cannot guarantee such placements, our mentors offer valuable guidance, encouragement, and insights to help individuals navigate their career paths and overcome any challenges they may face.

Partnerships with Local Employers and Training Providers

We maintain strong relationships with local employers, training providers, and educational institutions to ensure our clients have access to the best possible resources. These partnerships allow us to provide individuals with real-world opportunities to gain work experience, secure internships, and access specialised training that aligns with the needs of the job market.