Frequently Asked Questions - Jobshops

• I am only 16. Can I use the Jobshop?
• What is a CRB check?
• What is Access to Work?
• I want to join the Army. How can I apply?
• I want to do an apprenticeship, who can help me?
• Where can I get a gardening qualification?
• Where can I get help with my Maths and English?
• What is a CSCS card? How do I get one?
• I want to do some voluntary work. Where do I find out about it, and how will it affect my benefits?
• What is Doncaster Build and how do I become involved?
• I want to do some training/further education course, who can help me?
• I want to place a vacancy with the Jobcentre, how do I do that?
• I want to work in retail, where should I look?
• I don’t know my National Insurance Number (NiNo). How do I find it out?
• How do I get an Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence?
• Where do I find out about Tax Credits?
• What is the Travel to Interview Scheme, and can I apply?
• What is a work trial?
• How do I apply for a Work Permit?
• What is a POCA?

I am only 16. Can I use the Jobshop?

It is the Jobshop's policy to explain to young customers that they should attend Connexions, as they are the experts on what is available, and any legal restrictions on working hours etc. However, we still allow young customers to use the Jobshop to seek work. For further information please see www.doncasterjobshop.co.uk

What is a CRB check?

This stands for Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. The CRB is an Executive Agency of the Home Office set-up to help organisations make safer recruitment decisions. The CRB provides wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure Service. An Enhanced CRB check is for posts that involve a far greater degree of contact with children or vulnerable adults. Further information can be obtained from their website www.crb.gov.uk

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs. Check if you qualify for Access to Work by visiting the following page: Access to Work

I want to join the Army. How can I apply?

Customers can attend the Army Careers Office, 43 Hallgate, Doncaster, DN1 3NR, 01302 344128, or visit the Army Careers website.

I want to do an apprenticeship, who can help me?

Connexions have the information regarding Modern Apprenticeship because they are aimed at people aged 16-24 years old. Doncaster Council advertises many modern apprenticeships that it has on www.jobsdoncaster.co.uk .

Where can I get a gardening qualification?

It is possible to go on a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme in gardening/landscaping. Alternatively, customers could attend Askham Bryan College near York. They are able to offer help with finding apprenticeships, and courses covering a wide range of land-based courses, from introductory to honours degrees.

Where can I get help with my Maths and English?

If the customer is signing on at the Jobcentre, the Jobcentre can refer customers to provision to undertake an assessment, and refer on as appropriate if a skills shortage is noted. Customers who are not signing at a Jobcentre, or who would prefer not to approach the Jobcentre, should be referred to Doncaster College. (Contact details are shown on the telephone list). Again, the customer will be referred for an assessment and referred to the appropriate course.

What is a CSCS card? How do I get one?

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme. It provides proof of competence by major industry organisations, employers, clients and Government. There are 9 different types of CSCS card, from trainee through to professional qualified persons' card. 

Customers can apply for a card by downloading an application form from the CSCS website, or by calling the CSCS Helpdesk on 0870 417 8777.

I want to do some voluntary work. Where do I find out about it, and how will it affect my benefits?

Customers should be referred to Doncaster Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). It supports the development of groups by providing a wide range of services. Details of these services can all be found on the CVS website. It also has a Volunteer Centre, which offers information to individuals about volunteering opportunities in and around Doncaster and assists a wide range of organisations to find volunteers. For information about the impact of volunteering on benefits, customers can ask their Jobcentre Plus advisor.

What is Doncaster Build and how do I become involved?

Doncaster Build is a borough wide initiative – ‘Local Jobs For Local People’. It is a one stop shop approach which acts as a catalyst for organisations to work in partnership, ensuring that the borough derives maximum benefit from the coordination of new initiatives and developments, funding, facilities and expertise. The aim of Doncaster Build is to assist all residents within the borough to access construction training and employment. The one stop shop has a dedicated hotline, gives the opportunity to engage with priority groups who are furthest from the labour market and who would find it difficult to meet the minimum requirements of trainee selection through the normal construction training application process. 

I want to do some training/further education course, who can help me?

Customers interested in further education should contact Doncaster College:  

• Doncaster College – 01302 553553

Training Courses can be done through Bentley Training Centre

I want to place a vacancy with the Jobcentre, how do I do that?

Employers can place vacancies with Jobcentre Plus by ringing Employer Services Direct  (ESD) on 0845 601 2001. ESD will take them through the process and obtain the information needed.

I want to work in retail, where should I look?

In addition to checking in newspapers and in the Jobcentre, there are three useful websites

• Frenchgate  
• Lakeside
• Meadowhall
  

I don’t know my National Insurance Number (NiNo). How do I find it out?

You can check any correspondence from Jobcentre Plus or you can check old payslips, etc.  Alternatively you can ring the National Insurance Number Helpline who will be able to locate your NiNo and send them out a new notification with it on. They can be contacted on 0845 9157006.

How do I get an Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence?

This is a card to entitle a person to work in the security industry. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates it. There are a number of different types of card depending on the customers chosen security field. A customer can make an application for an SIA licence by visiting their website at www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk

Where do I find out about Tax Credits?

There are two elements to the Tax Credit system: Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), more commonly known as the Inland Revenue, administer tax Credits.  Information can be obtained via the HMRC website .

What is the Travel to Interview Scheme, and can I apply?

This scheme is for people who are registered as seeking work and who are offered an interview away from home. Jobcentre Plus will normally pay for travel from your home to the interview by the cheapest form possible. For further details, and to apply, customers should contact their nearest Jobcentre Plus BEFORE travel. 

What is a work trial?

Work Trial is an actual job vacancy with an employer. It is a voluntary programme that employers can set up with Jobcentre Plus when they place their vacancies. Customers continue to receive their benefits whilst taking place on the trial with the employer, to ensure that the job is right for the customer, and that the customer is right for the job. A work trial can last for up to 15 working days. Candidates will not go onto the payroll until the trial has ended.  
 

How do I apply for a Work Permit?

The UK Border Agency, an executive agency of the Home Office, is  responsible for controlling borders and managing immigration in the UK. They also consider applications for permission to stay, citizenship and asylum. Relevant application forms can be obtained from their website.  Information regarding work permits can be obtained from the Agency. 

What is a POCA?

POCA stands for Post Office Card Account. It is operated by the Post Office and is a simple bank account that will only be able to accept benefit, pension and credit payments. The account only allows payments to be withdrawn in cash at the post office using a card and PIN. Reporting cards lost or stolen – Customers should report it to the Post Office® using the freephone Emergency Helpline 0800 389 2101. This number is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year and the calls are free. General enquiries – Helplines for Post Office® card account holders. Customer Service Helpline 08457 22 33 44 Customer Service Helpline textphone 08457 22 33 55.