Westward Pathfinder

Westward Pathfinder is a Devon based charity set up in 1999 to assist the unemployed, economically inactive and disadvantaged members of our communities into employment, education and training using a wide range of interventions. Our target client groups include; the long term unemployed, the newly unemployed, JCP Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) clients, older people, lone parents, those who are rurally and socially isolated, clients with disabilities and mental health issues, young people who are NEET (not in employment, education and training) and clients with a history of offending. Our interventions include: Motivation, confidence and self-esteem, Information Advice & Guidance (IAG), job search, work placements, interview skills, literacy & numeracy, ICT training, practical project based work attitudinal training, CV’s and applications, work experience, work based learning, volunteer training and placements, business start-up and self-employment training and mentoring. Westward Pathfinder is also responsible for the development and management of Pathfinder Learning Centres across Devon. Not only does it provide computer based training it also works in conjunction Prospects, learndirect, CSW, Petroc College, Jobcentre Plus etc. to provide training, support and advice for people looking for work. We currently deliver Job Centre Plus and DWP Welfare to Work Programmes throughout Devon, including the Work Programme and The Families Action Programme. We hold a direct contract with the Skills Funding Agency allowing us to fund provision in the areas of work based learning, ICT and life skills training across Devon and Somerset. We have an extremely flexible approach to our work, focussing on one to one and small group sessions, changing elements of the provision as required to ensure the most positive results for our clients.