A new council initiative is opening doors for residents who have been facing challenges getting into work or training.
More than 50 people from the borough have benefited from the programme since it started in April and 18 have started work. And there can be up 20 interviews in a single week.
Action West London (AWL), based in Acton, runs the programme on behalf of Ealing Council. It offers tailored support to help people overcome barriers to finding work. It gives them the chance to build skills, gain confidence, and find meaningful work.
Jobseekers can receive advice on managing their money and debt, as well as getting help with their CV, interview skills and job search.
The right job for everyone
The programme is helping people living in the borough who are over 16 years old and who are not in education, employment, or training.
Craig Winters, contracts and partnerships manager at AWL, said: “We offer everyone one-to-one support. We’ll first find out about their hobbies and interests. We want to know what their aspirations are, so we can get them a job that’s right for them. We will then check their education and qualifications.
“Depending on the industry they want to work in, they might need a short course, such an SIA licence for the security sector, a CSCS card for construction, or a customer service course for hospitality. Some of the programme participants join English courses. It’s all about seeing what barriers to employment they have and getting them as close to the job market as possible. We also offer advice on getting proof of address or housing, so people are in a better place to look for work.”
The programme is backed by funding from the government’s United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund.
Action West London has run a series of other similar programmes for the council, from helping young black men get education and training to supporting ex-offenders find employment. And, between April 2024 and March 2025, 75 local people who had previously been charged by the police received personalised help. Of these, 35 of them found work in sectors like retail, hospitality, and construction, and 15 were paid above the London Living Wage, which is £13.85 per hour.
“AWL helped me build my interview skills and confidence. With their support, I secured two job offers and chose a Warehouse Assistant role that gives me flexibility and the chance for management training after six months. I couldn’t be happier and hope this turns into a long-term career.” Southall resident
Breaking barriers to employment
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Helping those who face barriers to employment is a key council commitment.
“We want to create good jobs for our residents and a big part of this is ensuring everyone has access to employment that’s right for them. By partnering with organisations like Action West London, we can provide the training and work support our residents need to build brighter futures.”
Over the next few months, look out for more stories of what the council is doing to help people overcome barriers to employment.
Need help finding a job?
If you would like to join this programme, please contact workealing@ealing.gov.uk, call 020 8825 8486 or fill an online form.
