JOBSEEKERS are preparing to apply for work through a new customer services course.

Basildon training provider TheLightBulb has launched the programme to give unemployed people the skills they need to secure a job and perform well in the role.

In addition to training and advice, course participants are set up with work experience placements and job interviews with local employers.

They also receive a course certificate in customer services, which proves they understand the principles of good customer service, can build relationships with customers, know methods to overcome customer complaints and understand how customer needs are met.

They are given advice on career planning, applying for jobs, writing CVs, team work, preparing for interviews and the attitude they should have towards their work and learning.

Lesley Jones, managing director and founder of TheLightBulb, said: “For the people on the course, this is like a job – they have to arrive on time, they have to attend each session and they have to behave like they would in a workplace, so it’s good preparation.

“We don’t just want them to get a job, we want them to keep it.

“The oldest of the 13 people the first course is in her fifties and the youngest is 19, so we’ve got a real range of people on the course and they’re all learning from each other’s experiences and picking up advice from one another.”

People who complete the course are given a guaranteed interview with an employer in one of several industries TheLightBulb already has relationships with, including retail, call centres, banks, insurance firms, hotels and leisure.

The first six-week course launched last week and another starts on Monday. The six-week part-time course takes place at TheLightBulb training centre, at Edison House in Paycocke Road.

TheLightBulb was set up ten years ago and runs several training courses across Essex, including painting and decorating, how to run your own business, tiling, team leading, warehousing and storage, as well as forklift truck driving.

For more information, call TheLightBulb on 01268 270648.