A summary of evaluation of Skills Coaching and Skills Passport trials is part of the latest Working Brief from the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion.
Inclusion and IES conducted the evaluation of an approach to helping customers who face skills barriers which is similar to government plans for an Adult Careers Service. The trials involved a support service for people receiving workless benefits and included 'skills diagnostics' and learning or training brokerage before being referred back to Jobcentre Plus for help with finding employment.
The evaluation assessed various aspects of the trials and included the following findings and recommendations:
- Partnerships between the services involved require good strategic management with effective client 'handover' processes.
- Adequate funding is required for all of the organisations participating.
- Lessons from the operation of the skills diagnostics could be used to inform the 'skills health check' part of the Adult Careers Service.
- A more holistic service could be beneficial that considers barriers faced by customers beyond those to do with skills.
- Coaching works well when tailored to individuals and customers valued the one-to-one aspect of the coaching
- Customers needed courses to be available at a time when they want to enrol on them.
- Post-employment support and work placements may aid the transition back to work.
The full reference of the article is: Mason, D. (2008) 'Skills coaching: lessons for new Adult Careers Service', Working Brief, 190, Dec/Jan 2008, pp.13-15. | 
