Resident Support in North Somerset
Looking for work? Want to learn new skills? Need help getting back into a job? Opportunity North Somerset is here to support you. Get free, one-to-one help to find work and build your skills.Retry
About Opportunity North Somerset
Opportunity North Somerset is a free service from North Somerset Council. We help local people find work, learn new skills, and get training.
We can help you with finding jobs, writing a CV, preparing for interviews, building confidence, and dealing with problems that make it hard to get work.
You can speak to an advisor by phone or email, or visit one of our drop-in hubs for face-to-face support.
Employment support drop-in hubs
Visit one of our local hubs for face-to-face help and advice.
Who else can help you?
Browse our directory of local services and groups that can help you.
Regional employment service website
Find extra support to get into work and learn new skills.
Explore Our Support Services
Career Support
Whether you’re looking for your first job, want to change jobs, or want to learn new skills, we can help you. We support people who are looking for work, have lost their job, want to try a different type of work, or need training.
We can help you with:- Planning the steps to get the job you want
- Writing your CV and preparing for interviews
- Finding training courses for beginners or for specific types of work
- Understanding what skills you already have that can help you get a job
- Finding job fairs and events where you can meet employers
- Extra support if you have a disability or health condition
Find out about the types of jobs available in North Somerset, including health and social care, construction, engineering, professional services, tourism, and green jobs.
Youth Support
If you’re aged 16-24 and thinking about your next steps, we can help you find courses, work experience, traineeships, and apprenticeships to build your skills and get real experience.
We can help you with:
- Planning the steps to get the job or career you want
- Writing your CV and practising for interviews
- Getting advice and coaching about jobs and careers
- Finding the right work experience or traineeship for you
- Choosing an apprenticeship and finding local employers
- Information about college courses (GCSEs, A-Levels, T-Levels)
Remember: Until you’re 18, you must stay in education, training, or a job with training. We’ll help you find the right option for you.
Digital Support
- Courses designed for what you need to learn
- One-to-one help and training with volunteers
- Extra support if you have a disability
- Moving on to higher-level courses with qualifications
- Help to get a computer or internet access if you’re on Universal Credit
From basic computer skills to searching for jobs online with confidence, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Business Start-Up Support
- Starting in Business courses covering the basics and financial planning
- One-to-one advice sessions in person, by phone, or online
- Workshops on key topics for your business
- Advice, coaching, and mentoring from business experts
- Networking opportunities with other business owners
- Access to market intelligence and business information
This free support is provided through the Business Support Unlocked programme, delivered by the hive in partnership with North Somerset Council.
Redundancy Support
Losing your job is really hard. If you’ve lost your job, we’re here to help you find a new one and understand what benefits you can claim.
We can help you with:- Understanding your rights when you lose your job
- Searching for jobs and help with applications
- Updating your CV and cover letter
- Preparing for interviews
- Finding jobs you can start quickly
- Information about benefits and money support
You’re not alone. We’ll help you through this difficult time and support you to get back into work.
Wellbeing and Volunteering Support
Your wellbeing is important. Volunteering can help improve your mental and physical health, build confidence, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience for your CV.
We can help you with:- Mental health and resilience support
- Professional health advice and fitness support
- Healthy eating guidance
- Support to stop smoking or reduce alcohol intake
- Bereavement, debt, and addiction support
- Learning new skills to boost confidence
- Housing advice
- Reducing loneliness and isolation through volunteering
Take the 5 steps to wellbeing: connect with others, be active, learn new skills, give to others, and be mindful.
Refugee and ESOL Support
If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker in North Somerset, or if English is not your first language, we can connect you with specialist organisations that understand your needs.
We can help you with:- Writing your CV and searching for jobs
- Practising for interviews
- Information about benefits, housing, and taxes
- English language lessons (ESOL)
- Employment and skills support
- Immigration and social care advice
- Support with settling in and reducing loneliness
Our partner organisations include Refugees Welcome North Somerset and Race Equality North Somerset, who offer specialist support, regular drop-in sessions, and welcome centres.
Access free face-to-face support at your local library
Our team offers regular drop-in sessions at libraries across North Somerset. No appointment needed – just turn up and speak to an advisor.
We can help with your employment and skills questions.
- Drop-in sessions
- Multiple locations
- Flexible times
- No appointment needed
Employability Day for All
Our most popular session Every Tuesday, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PMWeston-super-Mare Library
Get help with CVs, job searching, interview preparation, and one-to-one advice.