OxLEP Skills has announced the expansion of the ‘No Limits’ initiative, which is delivered by Aspire, a charity that helps people in Oxfordshire facing homelessness and disadvantage to find employment and safe housing.

The ‘No Limits 3’ programme will support Oxford City residents aged 16 and older in finding employment or skills training.

It will offer personalised triage support tailored to each participant’s individual needs, with experienced triage workers meeting participants in familiar community settings and focusing on their overall health and wellbeing, not just employment or training.

The programme supports people to return to, or find, a job, training, or education (Image: Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership) Participants will also receive one-on-one support, which could include confidence building, personality assessments, mentoring, CV writing, application assistance, or interview preparation.

The goal is to help participants secure high-quality, long-term, sustainable jobs that align with their needs and interests.

The programme is funded until March 2025 by West Oxford City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Sally Andreou, Skills Hub manager at OxLEP, said: “OxLEP Skills is delighted to announce the continuation of the ‘No Limits’ programme across Oxford City, through this UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the fantastic Aspire on this project, which aims to help local people gain skills and access resources that can support them into employment.

“It is essential we continue to support those in our communities struggling to gain employment opportunities and support the wider rollout of skills and training provision.”

The programme also offers support through travel bursaries for getting to interviews or the first month of a job or apprenticeship, if this is a barrier.

Electronic devices, data, and informal digital training programmes are provided to those experiencing digital poverty.

Other barriers to employment, education, or training, such as certifications or training requirements, can also be accessed and funded through the programme.

Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “The ‘No Limits’ programme is a great example of how we can work together to empower local people to gain the skills and resources they need to access and thrive in today’s job market.

“By delivering this initiative through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we’re making sure more people in the city can benefit from Oxford’s economic success, get into employment, and overcome barriers to opportunity.

“I’m proud to see the ‘No Limits’ programme helping to make Oxford’s economy fairer and more accessible for everyone.”