Cumbria Connect to Work

Helping people into work, together

Connect to Work is a new employment support programme for people across Cumbria who face barriers to getting into work or staying in a job.

Whether you're looking for a job, need support to return to work, or want to expand your workforce as an employer or partner organisation: you’re in the right place.

For Individuals: Help finding a job that works for you

If you're out of work or struggling to stay in employment, Connect to Work can help.

This free and voluntary programme offers practical, tailored support to help you find and keep a job that suits your strengths and needs.

You'll get:

personalised 1-to-1 employment support
help with finding a job, and any training that you might need
ongoing coaching and guidance once you're in work

We'll use the proven "Place, Train and Maintain" model - placing you into a real job first, then offering the training and support needed to succeed.

Who is this for?

This programme is for people across Cumbria who may:

have been out of work for some time
be managing a health condition or disability
face challenges returning to work
need extra help to get started

Referrals will open in January 2026. Check back soon for more details on how to register.

For Employers and Delivery Organisations

Support local people. Expand your workforce. Make a difference.

We're inviting employers, skills providers and support organisations to be part of delivering Connect to Work across Cumbria.

Whether you're an employer looking to recruit from a wider talent pool, or a local service with experience in employment, health or training - we want to hear from you.

We're looking to:

work with a lead organisation to coordinate delivery across Cumbria
partner with local organisations embedded in communities
build a strong, joined-up network of support and job opportunities
help employers meet recruitment needs while fulfilling their social duty

To learn more about opportunities for organisations, contact CumbriaCTW@cumbria.gov.uk

Join the Connect to Work Service Directory

We're building a directory of employment support services in Cumbria.

If your organisation helps people into work through training, health, wellbeing, or community support, you can request to be added.

If you would like your organisation to be included in the Connect to Work service directory, please complete and return the service directory form here: Cumbria Connect Work Service Directory - learn more.

Request the form at CumbriaCTW@cumbria.gov.uk.