Programme supporting adults back into work marks first anniversary
An Exeter College and Jobcentre Plus initiative that offers an alternative approach to helping adults return to work has seen a successful first year, helping people across Exeter build confidence and re-enter the job market.
Launched in January 2025, the Career Builders programme provides free support through sessions and courses focused on jobseeking, health and wellbeing, and practical workplace skills. It also offers confidence-building activities and informal try-it-out sessions for adults who may have been out of work for a long period and need a gentler, less pressurised route into work.
By tailoring support to individuals with a wide range of personal circumstances that may be preventing them from re-entering the job market, Career Builders has helped participants move into employment or start seeking opportunities.
One of those adults has been Kelly Walsh. Kelly is an unpaid carer who often puts the needs of others before her own and found the idea of exploring new opportunities daunting. With encouragement from her work coach, she joined a Try It Out Tuesday session, which offers a calm and informal introduction to learning for adults who may feel anxious about starting a course.
The sessions helped her build confidence, and she is now attending regular one-to-one employability advice sessions with the Devon County Council Employment Hub through a warm handover referral. Kelly is continuing to explore her next steps and feels positive about future opportunities.
Kelly Walsh said:
“Career Builders provided a gentle introduction to meeting other people, where you can carry out an activity that puts you at ease and allows you to be yourself without the pressure to be the best. Plus, cake and tea to make the experience even more enjoyable.”
The programme is also supporting Jobcentre staff in their work with customers. Courtney Dyson, a Jobcentre Work Coach based in Exeter, is a strong advocate of Career Builders and regularly attends sessions alongside the adults she supports.
This approach helps build trust and creates a more relaxed space for conversations away from a formal Jobcentre setting. It gives Courtney a clearer understanding of how the programme works, which helps her make informed referrals and provide consistent support to learners.
Courtney Dyson said:
“I cannot say enough good things about Career Builders and the positive impacts it is having on my claimants. It is a special thing to see their confidence and self-esteem grow in such a short period of time, they are also a lot more engaged in other services as a result. Career Builders is a safe space for all, and I feel privileged to work with Maddy and her team on such an incredible project.”
Adult Community and Partnerships Manager at Exeter College, Maddy Hearn, said:
“We’ve learned a great deal in the first year of this programme. One of the clearest lessons is that many people who are out of work sometimes need to take small, manageable steps. For some, this means rebuilding their confidence; for others, it’s simply about reconnecting with people before they feel ready to move forward.
“Career Builders has developed into something really special. We’ve welcomed people who felt unsure, disconnected or overwhelmed, and after enrolling and accessing the right support, they have gradually regained their confidence and begun developing the skills they need to move towards employment.
“It’s been brilliant to work so closely with the Jobcentre and the many adults who’ve taken part so far, and we look forward to supporting many more people in the future.”
To find out more about Career Builders or how to attend one of the sessions, people can contact the Adult Learning team at Exeter College or Job Centre Plus.
