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Thanks to dedicated funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, North Somerset Council is supporting The Women’s Work Lab to offer a free 12-week programme in Weston-super-Mare at the end of September.
This will combine part-time classroom-based training with a formal work placement at a respected local employer. The programme is designed specifically for mums who have taken a career break or who are struggling to access work opportunities.
Participants will benefit from:
- one-to-one career coaching
- confidence-building support in a friendly peer group
- practical tools such as CV writing, interview technique and job search skills
- guaranteed work placement with a trusted local employer
- six months of career coaching and mentoring after the programme ends.
Crucially, the course is free of charge, run during school hours, and includes financial support towards childcare costs (participants must arrange their own childcare).
Past participants have spoken highly of the programme:
“I feel I have the right tools and have got the steps needed to find a new job. I feel sad to be leaving this amazing group and will miss our weekly sessions.”
“I feel excited as I begin this new journey. I am still a bit nervous but it helps I have such an incredible support network behind me now.”
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for mums in North Somerset to take that next step towards work or training in a way that fits around family life. We’re proud to support initiatives like The Women’s Work Lab that build confidence, open up opportunities and provide the skills and networks that women need to succeed.”
Applications close on Friday 19 September for a September 2025 start: www.womensworklab.co.uk/apply-now
For more information about the UKSPF programme in North Somerset, visit innorthsomerset.co.uk/ukspf.