IF you are over 50 and facing redundancy Business Link Kent, the county's independent business advice service can help you get back on track.

It has launched an innovative project, Gateway to Employment, offering 16 weeks of help and coaching aimed at getting out-of-work, mature managers back into the job market.

The free scheme starts with coaching to help prepare participants and this includes the production of a professional CV, networking training, and interview technique practice.

A variety of management development training days follow, covering subjects from “understanding and managing change” to “introducing neuro-linguistic programming”.

Throughout the programme, which takes two or three days a week, participants will be offered the chance to update and refine their IT skills as well as optional modules on project management, self-employment and environmental management.

The culmination of the course is the offer of up to eight weeks work placement with a local employer, as a chance to put newly-developed skills into operation.

The programme has places for 90 individuals, on a “first come, first served” basis, and Business Link Kent will offer those chosen a small retainer while they are training or are on a work placement.

For more information on Gateway to Employment contact Business Link Kent on 08457 226655, e-mail: info@businesslinkkent.com or visit the website at www.businesslinkkent.com