Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) offers a range of employability support to help people take their next step into work, learning, or career progression.
Connect to Work
Connect to Work is a government-funded programme designed to support people with health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to employment.
The programme helps individuals find suitable job opportunities and provides personalised support to help them start, sustain, and succeed in employment.
We work in partnership with South Midlands Authorities to deliver this programme. Visit the South Midlands Authorities website to find out more and make a self-referral.
Find out more about Connect to Work
Youth information, advice and guidance (IAG)
BESA’s Youth Information, Advice and Guidance Advisors provide support to young people aged 16 to 18 (or those up to 25 with an EHCP) who live in Central Bedfordshire
Appointments can take place in local libraries, community venues, or online. We offer both short and longer-term support tailored to individual needs, including:
- Information, advice and guidance on careers, education, and training opportunities
- Support with job, college, and training applications
- Help to develop employability skills, including CV writing, job searching, and interview preparation
Complete our enquiry form to register your interest.
Employability workshops
Our employability workshops are designed to help you build confidence, develop practical skills, and make a positive impression on employers.
Whether you're looking for your first job, returning to work, or exploring new opportunities, our interactive online sessions can help you take the next step.
These workshops are available to adults aged 19 and over who live in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough.
Choose from two specialist two-hour online workshops:
Effective CVs and cover letters
Learn how to create a professional CV and tailored cover letters that showcase your skills, experience, and achievements.
Enquire about CV and cover letters workshop
Develop Your Interview Skills
Build your confidence and learn practical techniques to help you prepare for interviews, answer questions effectively, and present yourself professionally.
Ready to take the next step?
Enquire about the Develop your Interview Skills workshop
Careers Guidance for Schools and Colleges
Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) provides expert, impartial careers guidance to support schools and colleges in meeting their statutory duty to provide students in Years 7 to 13 with access to independent careers advice.
Our service helps young people explore their options, make informed decisions about their future, and understand the pathways available to them.
If you are a school and interested to find out more, please email besa.careersadvice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.