Their LAB (Learn, Achieve, Believe) project, a unique two-week accredited course which aims to improve confidence and employability skills in the local community, is designed for adults aged 19 and over who are currently unemployed.
The course focuses on teamwork, building self-confidence, and improving communication skills. In the second week, the group works together to run a drama workshop, bringing everything they’ve learned together.
So far, over 7,000 people have taken part in LAB and gone on to find work, start volunteering, continue learning, or take part in further training.
As well as the main two-week LAB course, Proper Job also runs three other LAB programmes. These are for people who want support with day-to-day life, mental health, or getting into volunteering. Each one is run in small groups and is welcoming and easy to join.
LAB LIFE
LAB Life promotes easy, practical and useful ways to help participants with the rising cost-of-living and feel more in control of daily life by looking at savvy ways to manage shopping, heating, travel and budgeting and also ways of staying active.
LAB WELLBEING
LAB Wellbeing, aimed at adults who can self-identify mild to moderate mental health and wellbeing struggles, helps participants to take the first steps to a more positive future. Over three to five sessions, individuals are encouraged to identify what it is they want from life, where they would like to be and take practical steps towards getting there.
LAB VOLUNTEERING
LAB Volunteering helps to give individuals the skills needed to be assertive, valuable and move forward in a volunteering role, while also supporting them to find a suitable volunteer placement that fits their interests and needs.
Learning That Makes a Real Difference
None of the LAB courses takes place in a traditional classroom. There are no desks, no tests, and no pressure.
Instead, people learn by talking and listening to each other, taking part in group activities and building trust and having fun.
Each session is full of real-life learning and practical support, making it easier for people to take in what they’ve learned and apply it to their own lives.
Proper Job recently shared a report based on their work in Calderdale (Calderdale Health and Wellbeing report), which showed that after completing LAB courses, 90% of people said they ate healthier, did more exercise, and felt better in themselves.
But the most powerful result was that almost everyone said they felt less lonely after taking part. This is important, especially in Calderdale, where nearly 1 in 4 older adults are socially isolated.
A Warm Welcome
VAC (Voluntary & Community) is proud to support Proper Job and the LAB programme in Calderdale, and we are pleased to host LAB courses at our Resource Centre in Central Halifax.
Rosemary Hitchins, our receptionist at VAC, said:
“People often arrive looking unsure, quiet and nervous. But by the end of the course, they’re smiling, chatting, and making friends. It’s lovely to see.”
Proper Job usually runs LAB courses at VAC a couple of times a year. Each group has around 10 to 15 people, and we often see big changes over the week.
Emily Brown, one of the LAB course leaders, says the Resource Centre is a great place for LAB:
“We appreciate using VAC because it’s accessible, well organised, and welcoming. Finding venues in Halifax with such accessibility has been difficult, so this is a huge benefit for us…Plus, the friendly staff and the volunteering opportunities VAC promote mean we can support learners beyond the course, helping them think about their next steps after the course.”
Want to Get Involved?
If you or someone you know could benefit from LAB, or you’d like to learn more, get in touch with Proper Job at engagement@properjob.org.uk or call 01484 514 687.
Need a Space Like This? Hire our Rooms!
To enquire about hiring one of our spaces at VAC, please contact room.bookings@cvac.org.uk or call 01422 348 777.
Our flexible meeting spaces accommodate various needs, from small team discussions to larger presentations. Whether you need a training space, conference room, or a quiet meeting area in Halifax, we provide the ideal setting.
