Council confirms new Connect to Work programme to boost local employment

As part of this nationally funded scheme, Buckinghamshire Council has secured nearly £7m from Government to support up to 1,640 residents over the next four years, offering tailored assistance to those facing particular challenges getting into work.

Connect to Work is specifically designed to support residents who may have found it hard to find employment due to circumstances such as disability, long-term health conditions, homelessness, or caring responsibilities. Connect to Work links individuals with employers who can support their specific needs, allowing them to access work and build their career.

Steven Broadbent is Leader of Buckinghamshire Council. He said: “Connect to Work is about more than just finding jobs; it’s about building confidence, developing skills, and creating real opportunities for people to thrive. This programme will be a lifeline for many in our community and it reflects our commitment to inclusive growth and ensuring every resident has the chance to succeed.”

Connect to Work is a key part of Buckinghamshire’s wider Economic Growth Plan, which includes a significant focus on building skills, boosting productivity, and reducing inequality in Buckinghamshire, to improve access to work for individuals and to support the county’s economic growth as a whole. Connect to Work is one of a number of strands under the council’s ‘skills and employment’ drive which is underpinned by its recently adopted Skills and Employment Strategy.

Recent successes under this theme also include the council’s Skills Bootcamps – which offer free, practical short courses with guaranteed interviews with local employers. Of the most recent cohort, 98% of more than 400 participants completed training with 84% interviewing and 70% now progressing into work, upskilling, or moving into self-employment.

Councillor Broadbent added: “Buckinghamshire’s reputation for entrepreneurialism and innovation is at the heart of these programmes. The Council continues to work closely with local businesses and stakeholders to create the right conditions for success - for both employers and jobseekers. We want to empower our residents at every stage of their working lives. Whether they’re just starting out, retraining for a new role, or returning to work after time away, these council programmes are here to support them. It’s a win-win for our people, communities and economy to increase our shared prosperity.”