Support for Parents

At Access2Employment, we understand that every family’s journey is different. That’s why we offer a confidential, no-pressure service led by your needs and goals. Our dedicated Parental Employment Advisers work with parents across West Lothian to help them find work, progress in their current role, access training, or move into education—with the ultimate aim of improving family finances and wellbeing.

What to Expect

Our support is tailored to you. You’ll be matched with a dedicated 1:1 adviser who will work alongside you to create a personalised action plan that fits around your family life. Whether you’re returning to work, looking to change career, or want to progress where you are, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Your adviser can help with:

• Identifying your goals and career aspirations
• Exploring job and training opportunities
• Building confidence in your skills
• CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation
• Understanding transferable skills
• Ongoing support throughout your employment journey.

Additional Support 

We also offer practical help to overcome barriers to employment. Eligible parents may receive funding support for:

• Becoming self employed
• Driving lessons
• Accredited training or qualifications
• First month of childcare costs
• Travel expenses
• Parental welfare funds for those moving from benefits into work

Our service is here for you—confidential, supportive, and designed to help you make progress in a way that works for you and your family.

Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI)

We offer eligible West Lothian businesses financial incentives towards salary costs when they hire local people who are currently looking for work. This funding helps create new, sustainable job opportunities.

Once you're registered with our advisers, you'll be kept up to date with relevant vacancies. You can also approach eligible employers directly and let them know you're eligible for this funding—making you an even more attractive candidate.

Graduate Work Experience

Our Graduate Work Experience programme is designed to support recent graduates living in West Lothian who are currently unemployed or underemployed.

This paid placement offers valuable hands-on experience within a West Lothian Council service, helping you build your skills and confidence. The goal is to support you in securing sustainable employment in your chosen career field.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards your career, this opportunity could be just what you need.

West Lothian Jobs Fund

The West Lothian Jobs Fund offers paid 6-month training placements within West Lothian Council services. These placements provide valuable hands-on experience in a real work environment.

In addition to gaining work experience, participants receive £500 towards training tailored to help them follow the career path they want after completing their placement.

If you’d like to learn more about these opportunities, your adviser is here to provide all the details and support you need.

Intensive Family Support

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? If life feels a bit chaotic right now and you’re far from the job market, but you know you want to make a change, we’re here to support you—without judgment and at your pace.

Our Intensive Family Support service offers one-to-one, personalised help for individuals and families who need a bit more support to move forward. We’ll work with you to build a plan that fits your situation, and we can meet at a time and place that works best for you.

What we offer:

• 1:1 targeted support that focuses on you and your family’s needs
• Help with core challenges—such as housing, money worries, or accessing support services
• A personalised action plan, created together, with realistic steps to help you move forward
• Referrals to trusted services like Housing support or the Advice Shop, when needed
• Support to get ready for work or to explore training and volunteering opportunities
• Advice on benefits and income to help improve your financial situation

We’re here to help you create more stability in your life and build a path towards independence and employment—one step at a time, when you’re ready.

To request more information or to book an appointment please email pesf@westlothian.gov.uk  or complete our registration form here.