Residents in Walton-On-Thames, Surrey, who are looking for work can now access a free 12-week training course designed to help them get back into employment. The programme, run by the charity Room for Work, is specifically for unemployed people aged 40 and over and will begin on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
The sessions take place every Wednesday from 10.30am to 1pm at Walton Methodist Church on Terrace Road. Led by course leader Lindsey Waine, the sessions teach practical skills such as writing a better CV, practising for job interviews, and using personal contacts to find new roles.
This new initiative is supported by Walton Charity, a local organisation that provides grants and help to people in the community. While Elmbridge Borough Council has recently helped 120 young people find employment or training through its Youth Hub, this course fills a gap by focusing on workers with more experience.
The launch comes as Surrey County Council works to help nearly 27,000 residents across the county move back into the workforce. Although Surrey has a lower rate of economic inactivity than the national average, there are still around 131,000 residents in the county who are economically inactive, with the council targeting those who specifically want to work but face difficulties finding a job.
The programme will run until 15 July 2026 and aims to give residents the confidence and modern skills needed to find a new position. These sessions are open to those with previous work experience ranging from office and administrative roles to management jobs.
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