DORSET residents may soon be invited to apply for roles at local jobcentres as part of a Government recruitment drive.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is putting plans in place to employ 'work coaches' at jobcentres in a bid to boost employment as part of the economic recovery from coronavirus.

The role involves helping members of the community find employment by supporting them with job applications, CVs and interview skills.

It is anticipated that around 430 work coaches will be recruited to jobcentres across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this winter.

It comes as the Government enters its final round of recruitment for 9,000 new work coaches nationwide by the end of March 2021.

The DWP said it has already completed a successful initial phase of recruitment which saw 4,500 work coaches hired as part of the Government's response to the pandemic.

The Government is doubling the number of work coaches available to support people across the UK to 27,000 by March 2021.

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment said: “Any Work Coach will tell you just how rewarding their job is. Helping someone back into work is really fulfilling. Knowing the positive difference you’ve made to someone’s life is a real boost.

“If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to support your community, put yourself forward for what is a crucial role at the forefront of the UK’s economic recovery.”

A DWP spokesman said the Government aims to ensure that people in Dorset have access to expert mentoring and jobs support.

"More expert work coaches means more personal, tailored support for jobseekers who are looking to get going with a new career or to move on from a struggling sector," the spokesman said.

Along with helping people improve their CV, interview and job search skills, work coaches also help arrange more structured support including:

The £2 billion Kickstart scheme which puts young people receiving benefits first in line for new, high quality, six-month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

The £238 million JETS programme targeting those out of work for three months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

Increased support for 40,000 jobseekers of all ages through the Sector-based Work Academy Programme, which received a £17 million funding boost this summer and will help people learn new skills through a mixture of work experience and training.