OxLEP Skills have announced the significant rollout of their ‘No Limits’ inclusive employability support programme across the West Oxfordshire district – aiming to remove barriers that residents might have in getting into or returning to work, education or training.
The ‘No Limits’ programme is funded in West Oxfordshire until March 2025 by West Oxfordshire District Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is being delivered by Aspire, a charity that supports people in Oxfordshire facing homelessness and disadvantage to secure fulfilling employment and safe housing.
The ‘No Limits 3’ programme will support West Oxfordshire residents (age 16+) in finding employment or skills training, with this unique initiative offering personalised triage support tailored to each participant's individual needs.
Experienced triage workers will meet participants in familiar community settings, focusing on their overall health and wellbeing – not just employment or training.
Participants will receive one-on-one support, which may include confidence building, personality assessments, aspiration raising, mentoring, CV writing, application assistance, and interview preparation.
The goal of the initiative is to help participants secure high-quality, long-term, sustainable jobs that align with their needs and interests.
OxLEP’s Apprenticeship Advisor will collaborate with local employers, including SMEs, to optimise the use of the apprenticeship levy for hiring apprentices and fostering inclusivity within their workforce. The advisor will also coordinate with triage workers to identify local apprenticeship vacancies that align with the goals of No Limits clients, and support applications for suitable opportunities.
The programme also offers support through the provision of travel bursaries for getting to interviews or the first month of a job or apprenticeship, if this is a barrier – and the provision of electronic devices, data and informal digital training programmes for individuals experiencing digital poverty.
Other barriers to employment, education or training (including green skills) – such as certifications or training requirements – can also be accessed and funded through the programme.
Sally Andreou – Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: "OxLEP Skills is delighted to announce the continuation of the 'No Limits' programme across West Oxfordshire, through this UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. We are excited to continue our partnership with the fantastic Aspire on this project, which aims to help disadvantaged local people gain secure fulfilling employment and safe housing.
“It is essential we continue to support those in our communities struggling to gain employment opportunities and support the wider rollout of skills and training provision.”
Giles Hughes - Chief Executive Officer for West Oxfordshire District Council – said: “We are proud to support the No Limits 3 programme, which has been central to boosting local job opportunities.
“By equipping individuals with valuable skills and confidence, this initiative will not only lead to better job prospects but also create a stronger workforce for our local businesses and a more robust local economy. It aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to drive economic growth across West Oxfordshire through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
The announcement comes following the roll-out of a programme of ‘No Limits’ support elsewhere in the county earlier this month – following the wider success of the project which initially launched in 2022.
