Creating Flexible Careers: Some Observations on a 'Bridge' Programme for Unemployed Professionals

Redundancy among qualified people is a continuing problem. Those affected can be helped by group programmes providing both career guidance and training in job-getting skills. Re-employment rates are high, regardless of age, gender, and ethnic origin. The long-term unemployed also respond well to this type of programme. An important factor in re-employment is the ability to change occupation in mid-career, which is dependent upon confidence rather than qualifications or mental skills. Confidence-building by means of social support is suggested as the primary objective and particular competence of group programmes. An opportunity for future development is the provision of language training for members of ethnic minorities.