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IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE SEEKING GOVERNMENT FUNDING 
  
This funding information section normally carried details and links to current Job Centre and Department of Work & Pensions funding initiatives.
However, as of November 1st 2008 we are unwilling to display such information.
The reason for this course of action is that funding for the unemployed is essentially a ‘Post Code Lottery’. Despite there being extensive media advertising purporting to provide assistance for the unemployed to enter training of their choice in our experience very few ever receive it.
For years we have had a regular stream of unemployed people contacting us regarding their inability to secure funding for a course of their choosing. Sadly they usually inform us that if funding is made available to them it is only what their Job Centre Advisor puts forward to them – which is often courses such as low level keyboard skills, longer term College courses for basic skills etc.
From our point of view we have always endeavoured to provide help and advice to anyone who turns to us even if they do not want to attend our courses.
However, we have been contacted by the Department of Work and Pensions requesting that we limit such advice with regard to funding and that we must make it clears that Job Centre Advisors decision is final.
In addition the Department of Work & Pensions want us to agree NOT to advise the unemployed to seek redress if they feel they are not receiving the funding or service they feel they deserve.
These demands came with an ultimatum that if we do not accept them our status as a recognised training provider under the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) would be suspended as from 31.10.08 the very same day as they contacted us.
This meant that as result of this action would no longer able to accept unemployed persons seeking our training via Job Centres or any Government training initiatives - they have since rescinded this action.
However, we believe that the above heavy handed and dictatorial approach was a taste of what many unemployed candidates have experienced when seeking assistance from the Department of Work & Pensions (Job Centres).
Here at Dixon Training we pride ourselves in offering impartial help and advice to anyone who requests assistance regardless of whether they wish to attend our courses or not.
To effectively be forced into providing less than 100% help and assistance would be against what dealing with individuals and their specific needs is all about.
 Over the years we have had numerous conversations with unemployed people who feel they have been let down by Job Centres Advisors leaving them with no recourse to complain.
 
  

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It is clear that where Job Centre (Government) funding is concerned each area of the country appears to develop their own priorities and ways of interpreting how the various national directives are implemented or not.
This can result in what is offered (if anything at all) bearing little if no resemblance to nationally advertised initiatives.
After speaking to quite a few Job Centre advisors over the years it is not uncommon to find that they are often confused about what they can and cannot do for their clients.
Over the years the candidates we have received via Job Centres has been minimal to say the least and we could have simply let the removal of our name from the Training Providers list pass.
However, we believe this to be a slur against our good name as a specialist training provider of some 20 years standing. In addition it would leave unemployed people seeking to improve their lot in whatever way they can with little or no support.
As a result we feel that it is incumbent on us to champion their cause for them.
For far too long most people and we include ourselves have gone with the flow thinking Government Departments know what they are doing. Unfortunately the scandals and ineptitude rocking the financial system of this country as only one an example clearly proves otherwise.
From our point of view we have seen and endured more than enough over recent times and we view the dictatorial attitude and unreasonable demands requested of us as a quality training provider and the indifference to the very people the Department of Work Pensions should be helping as the final straw.
To this end we have sent our MP relevant information on this matter and we are currently awaiting a response from him before going more public.
What you can do
If you are currently unemployed or were unemployed in the last 10 years we would appreciate your feedback as to how the system treated you with regard to funding your preferred route for training - whatever the type of training you were looking for.
All correspondence is welcome good or bad and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Email your response to:

 

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