Acorn Training secures position as subcontractor on Job22’s major Department for Work and Pensions Contract to support the Restart Scheme in East Central England

• Restart Scheme to provide employability support to over 1 million unemployed people and help them find work
• Jobs22 awarded East Central Region covering the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Luton and Stoke and Staffordshire
• Acorn Training aims to provide over 10,000 customers with employability support as Jobs22 largest subcontractor

(Friday 30^th April, 2021) Acorn Training has been successful in securing a place as a subcontractor on the new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Restart Scheme Contract. The Restart Scheme, commencing in June 2021, has been created to provide intensive and tailored employability support to over 1 million unemployed people and help them find work in England and Wales. 

The subcontract has been secured with Jobs22 – a new joint venture created by social business Catch22 and Australian provider of human service and skills, Angus Knight. The company has been awarded the East Central region, to provide support for job seekers in the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Luton and Stoke and Staffordshire.  The Jobs 22 contract runs for 4 years, with the aim of securing jobs for around 40,000 people and is worth more than £200m.  

Acorn Training is the largest subcontractor operating on Jobs22’s major contract win with an aim to provide over 10,000 customers with employability support. This will be achieved through their renowned expertise in delivering bespoke employability, skills and training development. Acorn Training have strong roots in the region, with their main offices operating out of Tunstall and Coalville. A further office will be opening in the second quarter of the year in Burton-upon-Trent and it is anticipated that the team will grow by 50+ members to support the delivery of the Restart programme.

Sophia Franzen, Operations Director, comments on the next steps “As the country recovers from the effects of the pandemic, it is vital that individuals are given the support to secure long-term employment. We are proud to be joining the DWP’s efforts to get the country back to work and help combat the high levels of unemployment. At Acorn Training, we are renowned for delivering tailored employability support, providing opportunities for development and working hard to break down individual barriers to employment. We have strong core values and inclusive ethos; enabling strong and sustainable careers for all”.

 – ENDS –

Notes to editors

Acorn Training is a national training provider delivering apprenticeships, online courses, employability programmes, justice services, skills & career development. To learn more about the organisation and its offerings, please visit: https://www.acorntraining.co.uk/ or follow on social media: Instagram: @Acorn_training_ltd Twitter: @AcornTrainingUK LinkedIn: Acorn Training Ltd Facebook: Acorn Training UK