Mums in North Somerset can access free support to get back to work thanks to a training programme from The Women’s Work Lab.

The programme offers up to 30 moms the opportunity to kickstart their careers after taking a break.

Participants do not need to be actively seeking employment or receiving benefits to apply and can be of any age.

The local programme, which ran successfully in 2022, is again being supported by North Somerset Council thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

It will run twice in North Somerset, with the first session slated to begin in April in Weston-super-Mare and another in September.

The programme offers part-time, school hours, classroom-based training and work placements.

Since its inception, over 40 mums have now graduated from the course.

North Somerset Times: The programme offers up to 30 moms the opportunity to kickstart their careers after taking a break

Women's Work Lab graduate, Julia, said: "Women’s Work Lab helped me to understand my key values and tie together previous experiences in work and home life.

"The confidence that this gave me enabled me to gain employment straight after finishing the course.

"These Ladies are magic!"

The Women’s Work Lab provides customised career coaching, partner sessions with firms like Google & Smart Works, practical career support including CV writing and job searching, and a work placement with a respected local employer.

The effort put into every participant by the Women’s Work Lab team enables all mums to gain job skills and confidence, aiming to support them into employment or further training within six months of the programme completion.

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council, said: "I am proud to have been involved in bringing this brilliant programme to North Somerset.

"I am delighted that this funding has been secured as 68% of Women’s Work Lab’s 2022 graduates are now back in work.

"I urge you to sign up today!"

For mums interested in kickstarting their careers, apply at The Women’s Work Lab's website.

If your application is successful, there will be an informal phone interview.

The Women’s Work Lab is also inviting North Somerset businesses to provide work experiences in hosting a mum on placement.

Councillor Mark Canniford, said: "Please do consider registering as a business to provide invaluable work experience opportunities; this initiative helps ensure our communities are well equipped to thrive in the future."

For more info, visit innorthsomerset.co.uk/ukspf.