People and skills – employability skills
Working with several key stakeholders including Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy and Be Positive, a programme of support was delivered to develop the skills of those who are economically inactive and helped into employment.
The 2025 to 2026 programme resulted in:
- 109 – number of people supported to access basic skills
- 118 – number of people receiving support to gain employment
- 77 – number of people receiving support to sustain employment
- 77 – number of people reporting increased employability
- 60 – number of people supported into employment, including self-employment
Read about the experience of 2 people who were helped by the programme
Case study: rebuilding confidence and purpose
Background
The learner came to Be Positive experiencing low confidence, isolation, and poor mental wellbeing. Having been out of work for some time, they described feeling “very low,” “lonely,” and in a dark, confusing place with little sense of purpose. Re‑engaging with employment felt overwhelming, particularly without higher‑level qualifications.
Our support
The learner received personalised one to one support focused on both wellbeing and employability. This included emotional support and regular check‑ins, coaching to challenge negative thinking, guidance on career options, access to online learning, and practical help with CV development. The approach was holistic, supporting long‑term confidence alongside career planning.
The journey
Over time, the learner began to build confidence and gain clarity about realistic career pathways. They re‑engaged with learning, developed a more positive mindset, and started to recognise that age or previous qualifications did not limit future opportunities.
Outcomes
- Increased confidence and self‑belief
- Improved emotional wellbeing and reduced isolation
- Re‑engagement with learning and career planning
- Clearer career goals and next steps
Impact
The learner described the service as giving them “purpose in life” during a particularly difficult period. A close friend also noted a “big, noticeable difference” in their outlook.
It helped me change negative things into positive things… I feel a lot more positive in myself
Case study: from barriers to employment
Background
The learner joined Be Positive while unemployed and facing several barriers to work. Recovery from a physical injury had affected their mobility and confidence, and they had limited recent work experience, training, and qualifications. They felt “muddled” and unsure how to move forward independently.
Our support
Be Positive provided tailored, practical one to one support to remove barriers and rebuild confidence. This included developing multiple tailored CVs, job search and application guidance, access to training and qualifications (including a CSCS card), ongoing mentoring, and support to address wider employability challenges.
The journey
With consistent guidance, the learner began to re‑engage with the idea of work. They accessed training they had previously believed was out of reach, gained structure around their next steps, and grew in confidence. This led to securing interviews and engaging with real employment opportunities.
Outcomes
- Achieved relevant certification (CSCS card)
- Created multiple tailored CVs
- Secured a job opportunity
- Successfully transitioned back into the workplace
Impact
The learner directly attributed their progress to the support received and reported feeling more focused, less overwhelmed, and ready to move forward.
Without Be Positive, it wouldn’t have happened.