Scottish tech startup Frog Systems has released a new online platform that connects job seekers directly with local support to help them find work.
The ASK SETH platform, which stands for Skills, Employment, Training and Help, is being launched by the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) and is currently the only free, single-source, digital platform for job seekers which does not require sign up or membership.
ASK SETH will collect anonymised data from job hunters which gives ERSA insight into emerging employment and training trends and provide an additional source of data for Government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education and the Ministry of Justice.
Commenting on the release of ASK SETH, Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP, said: “Making it easier for job seekers to find local employment support is vital as we support people to find work in our re-opened jobs market. This website, with help and advice, will do just this and help people move into roles.
“This dovetails with our own Plan for Jobs and is exactly the sort of support our Work Coaches are providing across our network of Jobcentres – levelling up opportunity across the country as we support workers of all ages to retrain, build new skills, and get back into work.”
A key feature of the platform is bite-sized video clips with advice from employment, skills and training experts. There is a directory of organisations and agencies that offer hyper-local advice and support.
Resources and support are available for all types of jobseeker – older people who may never have been out of work before, homeless people, ex-offenders, those experiencing mental health issues, people with physical disabilities, migrant jobseekers, carers and those looking for their first job.
Elizabeth Taylor, CEO of ERSA said: “The unique selling point of ASK SETH is that it is the UK’s only ‘go-to’ destination to access all you’d need to know for finding employment.
“Its functions are simple to manage for those less used to access this kind of information, and the videos enable jobseekers to gather the information and advice they need to make a successful step into employment.
“It is especially targeted to those who have little or no experience of unemployment with easy links and clear guidance on what many employability organisations offer. We are immensely proud of the format and see it as a game-changer for unemployed people in these challenging times.”
Developed as a platform to provide mental health and wellbeing support, Frog Systems has adapted the technology for the employment support sector. The powerful database underpinning the technology is regularly updated to ensure clients receive accurate insight on which to base their decision-making.
Frog Systems has also adapted its wellness platform tech to aid communities in Merseyside. WellSpace combines the use of video, search terms and location data to support users with “all aspects” of their wellbeing.
Commenting on ASK SETH, Frog Systems CEO Phil Worms: “We have worked in partnership with ERSA to develop a platform that connects job seekers with local employment support and helps frontline advisors, Jobcentre Plus work coaches and employers to understand who is working with job seekers in their area. This positions ASK SETH as a new and valuable resource for people who are looking for work and those trying to help them.”
Source: DIGIT