Preparation for Work
Get work ready with a prep for work course
We’re passionate about making sure our learners benefit from Manchester’s employment opportunities, and we work to create opportunities for learners to meet potential employers.
If you are looking for work, we have lots of face-to-face and online learning opportunities to help you prepare for and secure paid employment. We will help you to make an impact with employers and present your best self.
Why join a preparation for work course:
Network with employers: Our preparation for work team will help create chances for you to meet potential employers. These networking opportunities can lead to employment, mentoring and valuable insights into various industries.
Standing out from the crowd: Our courses are designed to help you land your dream job, so we’ll help you draft a standout CV and cover letter which highlights your skills, qualities and experience and why you’re perfect for the role.
Tailor your job hunting: We will give you guidance and tips on how to search for a job effectively including how to identify roles in specific sectors that you’re interested in and how to apply for those roles.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being in this group and the tutor made me feel at ease so learning was very enjoyable.
Employability 2-day course
Our Preparation for Work team are excited to introduce their new 2-day employability short courses that will take place across centres from September-December.
These courses are designed to help you:
- Create a CV that will progress you to interview
- Complete an application form that meets job specifications
- Learn effective interview preparation techniques and approaches
- Build confidence and resilience for recruitment processes.
Find a prep for work course/workshop that suits your needs
Our preparation for work course and workshops are designed to increase your confidence and be successful in finding your dream job.
Looking to return to work or take the next step in your career?
This two-day course supports adults in developing essential employability skills. Focusing on CV writing and application forms, you will learn how to showcase your experience, identify transferable skills, and meet employer expectations. Ideal for those seeking work or changing careers, the course provides practical guidance to improve your job prospects.
Dates:
- Withington Adult Learning Centre – 16 and 23 September
- Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre – 17 and 24 September
- Greenheys Adult Learning Centre – 18 and 25 September
Feeling nervous about interviews or unsure what to expect?
This supportive two-day course is designed for adults who are preparing for interviews, whether for a new job, promotion, or career change. You’ll learn how to understand job descriptions, identify and prepare for likely questions, and structure strong answers using the STAR method. With tips on managing nerves and practising real interview tasks, you’ll leave feeling confident, prepared, and ready to succeed.
Dates:
- Withington Adult Learning Centre – 7 and 14 October
- Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre – 8 and 15 October
- Greenheys Adult Learning Centre – 9 and 16 October
Build the skills that employers value!
This engaging two-day course will help you develop the key skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Through practical activities and self-reflection, you’ll explore your strengths, identify areas for development, and build essential skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem solving. You’ll gain a better understanding of your personal strengths and leave with practical strategies to support your development at work. This course is for you if you want to improve your workplace confidence, build core employability skills, or prepare for a new role.
Dates:
- Withington Adult Learning Centre – 4 and 11 November
- Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre – 5 and 12 November
- Greenheys Adult Learning Centre – 6 and 13 November
Ready to gain real-world experience?
This two-day course helps adult learners from all subject areas understand how to find and secure work experience opportunities. Learn how to approach employers, apply for placements, and present yourself confidently at informal interviews. Whether you’re building skills for the first time or exploring a new direction, this course will help you get started.
Dates:
- Withington Adult Learning Centre – 25 November and 2 December
- Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre – 26 November and 3 December
- Greenheys Adult Learning Centre – 27 November and 4 December
These webinars will support you to move closer to the world of work. You will look at current trends in recruitment methods, create stand out CVs, identify strengths, and learn how you can present your best self to employers and make the impact you need to secure work or progress in work.
We support Manchester residents who are looking to secure employment through pre-employment training as part of a Sector Based Work Academy Programme.
There are variable delivery and duration options as it all depends on the vacancies being recruited for and employer preferences. Please contact our team for more information.
This course will prepare you for future employment by developing the skills and awareness needed for
job searching, applying for work and succeeding at interview.
View more about Entry 3 / Level 1 Award in Employability Skills >
This qualification is a short introduction for anyone considering working in the voluntary sector, or suitable for anyone already working in a voluntary organisation who wishes to formalise and further develop their existing experience and skills.
The Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance will allow you to gain an understanding of the key areas associated with giving effective information, advice and guidance (IAG).
View more information about Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance >
This course provides the essential knowledge required to successfully work in a range of settings in a business admin role.
View more information about Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Business Administration >
Work with our Preparation for Work team
If you’re an organisation who is interested in offering any of the courses or workshops delivered by our Preparation for Work team, or would like a bespoke employability workshop, you will need the following:
- A group of at least 15 adults who are willing to attend the course/workshop.
- A suitable, safe teaching space for the group and teacher to deliver the session.
We will provide:
- A qualified teacher for the duration of the course
- Marketing and promotion of the course/workshop
- Relevant learning materials
- Enrolment support at the start of the course
- Learner progression at the end of the course
Sound good? All you need to do is contact our Preparation for Work Curriculum Manager Emma Langlois at emma.langlois@manchester.gov.uk once you have identified the needs of your service users and organisation, as well as when and where you would like to offer the course or workshop.
We will then review your request and contact you to let you know if we can deliver this.