Physical to virtual: challenges and opportunities for a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative

PurposeThis paper aims to explore challenges and opportunities of shifting from physical to virtual employment support delivery prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It investigates associated changes in the nature and balance of support and implications for beneficiary engagement with programmes and job search.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on longitudinal interviews conducted with beneficiaries and delivery providers from a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative in an English region with a strong manufacturing heritage between 2019 and 2021. The initiative established prior to the Covid-19 pandemic involved a strong physical presence locally but switched to virtual delivery during Covid-19 lockdowns.FindingsMoving long-term to an entirely virtual model would likely benefit some beneficiaries closer to or already in employment. Conversely, others, particularly lone parents, those further from employment, some older people and those without computer/Internet access and/or digital skills are likely to struggle to navigate virtual systems. The study emphasises the importance of blending the benefits of virtual delivery with aspects of place-based physical support.Originality/valuePrevious studies of neighbourhood-based employment policies indicate the benefits of localised face-to-face support for transforming communities. These were conducted prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and the more widespread growth of virtual employment support. This study fills a gap regarding understanding the challenges and opportunities for different groups of beneficiaries when opportunities for physical encounters decline abruptly and support moves virtually.

How well equipped are national surveys to capture new approaches to training?

Recent employer and employee surveys in the UK highlight a decline in training participation, a reduction in training expenditure per employee and an increase in online training/e-learning. The Covid-19 pandemic adds impetus to considering training trends given the importance of skills for economic recovery. Many workers are adapting to work and learning increasingly moving online. The Covid-19 crisis accentuates the need for employees to upskill and reskill and participate in new ways of learning. But how well equipped are surveys to capture these new trends? This paper reviews the focus of employer and employee training surveys in the UK alongside findings from selected in-depth employer interviews on training trends. It identifies greater focus on formal than informal training in current surveys, and a narrow interpretation of informal training. It identifies a gap in understanding the different types, duration and value of some informal workplace learning, while recent workplace changes mean the distinction between on- and off-the-job training is becoming less useful than previously. To capture new approaches to learning, surveys need to focus more on who is responsible for workplace training, communities of practice and perceived benefits of training.