This is where it all begins, your Work Coach at the Job Centre Plus will refer you to the Restart Scheme. You’ll speak to one of our friendly team who will introduce you to AKG and the Restart Scheme. They’ll find out more about your situation, how you like to be contacted, set up your first meetings with your Employment Coach and give you access to the AKG Aspire App online portal.
Restart scheme
Welcome to the Restart Scheme. We know starting something new can be daunting, especially when you’re facing challenges that might seem too big to overcome. We want to reassure you that we’ve helped thousands of people find a job that makes their life better.
Introducing the Restart Scheme
This short, animated video gives an overview of what the Restart Scheme is all about and how AKG and its delivery partners support people towards and into employment.
What happens next
Starting something new can be daunting, it’s natural to feel nervous about speaking to new people and returning to work.
We know that people need investment and support to succeed, so we’ve designed a journey that helps you reduce fears and manage challenges around getting back to work. We can help you identify your skills and the type of work you want to do and equip you with the help, services and equipment you need to make it happen. We’ll get you ready for interview and even support you when you’re in your new role.
Getting work-ready
Your Employment Coach
Here you’ll meet your Employment Coach. They will be the person who is dedicated to you. They’re in your corner and can connect you with all the support you need. Firstly, they want to get to know you, understand your situation and where you want to go. Talking to you about your skills and the type of work you’d like, helps your Employment Coach find the best fit for you. Together you’ll create an action plan, we find that the sooner you agree your action plan, the sooner you’ll get back into work
Support to action your plan
This is where you find out just how much help and resources are available to you and how to make your action plan happen. Your Employment Coach will check in on a fortnightly basis and meet with you face-to-face at least once a month. They’ll also meet for a more in-depth review session every three months, just to check how you’re getting on and if you’re getting enough support.
Our support
Our support focuses on four key themes: Work, Skills, Life and Health. We know that people experience challenges across all areas of life that affect their ability to sustain working life and enjoy their job. Everyone is different, but we’ve never met a participant we couldn’t help. Whether you need equipment or help getting online and updating your CV, we’ve got it covered. You’ll have access to an Employer Services Consultant who can give you the inside track on job opportunities that interest you and help you to secure interviews and job offers.
Work
There’s a lot to think about when you go back to work. We can help you get online and access applications, supplying the tools you need to get started. We can support DBS checking and help you get the relevant ID for interviews. We can fund the equipment and kit you need for those first weeks. We can also help with route-planning and travel costs.
Life
We can help you calculate how much better off you’ll be in work. Perhaps you need support with childcare, or services to help you with debt, we can refer you to support from specialist organisations we work alongside. We successfully help people of all ages, from all walks of life.
Health
Work has huge benefits to health and wellbeing but it also prevents people from entering the workforce. Our health team provides support and signposts to services that help people with Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Trauma and PTSD and long-term physical health conditions, disabilities and injuries.
Skills
We can help you realise your full potential and just how many transferable skills you have. Whether you need CV Support, to brush up on your digital skills, assistance with interview prep and researching employers, we can help. We also support with industry specific training that you may need.
Congratulations
Your hard work has paid off and you’re in a job. We know that those early days can be tough, so we’ll be there on hand for the next couple of weeks.
You can get in touch to talk through any concerns. This could be the start of something brilliant, and you could find yourself flying up the ranks. Some people take a little longer to find the right role, that’s okay we’ll be there to support you.
Continue the success
Our aim is to get you back to work and help you succeed once there, your success is our success. In fact, that’s what we’re targeted on. So if you need us down the line, we even have an in-work support team. We can signpost you to organisations who can help you achieve long-term goals around qualifications and gaining new skills.
AKG Aspire: Powerful tools in a user-friendly app
AKG Aspire is built with you in mind. It puts powerful tools at your fingertips, so you can build your CV, prepare for interviews, explore employers, and feel ready for what’s next.
Speak to your Employment Coach to receive your AKG Aspire login details.
Jobseeker tools
AKG Aspire includes interactive features that make it easier to move forward:
CV builder
AI-powered CV reviewer
Interview simulator
Job search engine
Psychometric and aptitude tests
Career assessments
Understand your strengths and direction through:
Motivation, personality and resilience assessments
Workplace culture fit and preferences
Insightful reports to guide your career choices
Our people
We have a whole team of people across East Central dedicated to helping you find a job that works for
your life. The Restart Scheme is available in offices across the region in Bedfordshire, Leicestershire,
Lincolnshire, North Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. Check out our interactive map for directions to your Restart Scheme team.
How can we help you?
Our team is always here to help. Get in touch with us or speak to your Employment Coach.
