Careers Development Group – Revelations
Sarnus | 14.02.2008 22:14 | Repression | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements
I have waited to do this for a long while and today I have decided that it's time. No longer will I remain silent, no longer will I say maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow is now today, the day where the battle is now fought on the field. The voices have spoken before and now a new one speaks, offering more hope.
Fact: Bullying does not take within careers development group.
FALSE: Bullying does take place within the building and has occurred many times. I have witnessed it and have it happened to me only to brush it aside. Many others have taken it up and disregarded. I know for a fact that allegations have been made but one was not taken up as the manager just didn't get round to it.
I could have made the complain happen but I was to naïve not to follow it up. Just recently a client was being bullied by a another client but this time he was over heard by a tutor and taken to one side. This person that was taken to one side is a repeat offender, doing it to many other various persons, getting away with it because they wont stand up. Well if I see it or it happens to me from now on things will be changing.
Fact: Job seekers are not told to do four jobs a day, they are simply told to do as many as possible and provide evidence of this.
False: Yet again more lies, but then again what can you expect. Clients at one point in time where told that they must do their job searchers of four and provide the evidence or they will be taken down a disciplinary road. This is no lie, they have said this and many others are witness to it.
However here is an interesting fact that the job centre will love and so will you CDG. You see your angelic clients have been going through the yellow pages picking a company out at random putting them down and then adding a fake name to it. You see it's really that easy to lie about it and the fact that you rarely follow up evidence is a joke.
That went on for weeks and for all I know is still going on to this date. Some days people just don't bother doing it and adding it the next day. No idea on what you are doing and the best thing is clients can get away with it. Do the four jobs, make it look like your busy and enjoy the ride, that's the easy life! Jokes on you guys! Seeing my point now?
Oh but you did however say that you will be ringing EVERYONE that people applied so that you know they are doing what they said. But the next day you was confronted on this as its a breach of the data protection act and the fact it will REALLY annoy a potential employer so you had to back down on this and not do it. Makes you look stupid don't it? You really should think about something before talking to clients one day then backing down because you was wrong the next.
Fact: We monitor the history of the sites you visited nothing else.
False: You do monitor what sites people have been visiting but one of your clients let it slip awhile back that someone was emailing Keith Parkins at CDG. The only way you would know this is the fact you are logging keystrokes or illegally accessing peoples email accounts. Which one do you think it is?
A former centre manager of the place admitted to having key loggers on the computers when I was originally there. Does this mean they are still on the computers? What are you up to CDG? Oh and just to let you know there was a lot of people on face book the other day updating their blogs etc. Bet you didn't know that one and if you did then why wasn't they reprimanded?
Oh and here's another thing, THREE of your computers has the override user name and password embedded in. DUH! People can enjoy going on blocked websites thanks to one of your staff members.
Fact: CDG never lose a CV.
False: DOH! Seems like CDG shot themselves in the foot there. I handed my cv to a tutor once and the next day I found part of it still on the table where they left it and the other half with my number etc on it missing. Yet this tutor said “Oh really?” walked of then to get their coffee. Others have given them disks and YES they have lost it even though they will say they haven't
You see CDG like to cover their own asses half the time. You watch my back and I will yours. Complete nonsense and I would NEVER trust CDG with your CV.
Fact: CDG is a safe environment
False: Load of bull honkey here, this place is a danger to any decent members of society. Young teenagers are mixed with ex offenders, drug dealers and bullies. Would you really mix a bright, intelligent eighteen year old with someone who's been to jail and sells coke, marijuana and god knows what else drugs?
Would you mix that young eighteen year old with offenders who have been to jail for assault, robbery and all kinds of various things. Okay so they deserve the same treatment as others but I know for one if my son or daughter was put on a course with drug dealers that I would be taking names and let the local authorities be dealing with them
Drug dealers who are on 600 to 1000 pound a day are on a course for the unemployed to get them back in to work. Congratulations Labour, you total screw ups.
Bullies run free like they are in the school yard. Going undetected ruining the minds of youth so much that they dread going in. Only to be told they are a grass and their lives are made more of a hell. I know you cant do much to prevent it but for please sake do something to prevent it.
Fact: Placements are a great source.
False: Free labour for a couple of weeks so they don't have to pay someone to do the job. The can do this as many times as they like as it looks good for them. You might get a job at the end of it but don't set your heart on it. The only thing you will get is a reference for a job, but if you already got them then it doesn't matter.
Some people don't even get put on placements but they are so important if they need it. Clients who have been their five minutes will get priority other those who been their ages. The ELO has no general idea on what they are doing. It's not that hard to put people on placements, it's just plain laziness.
So now I gone through some things im going to blow the lid on some more things. Smoking on a fire exit! LIES, WE DO NOT DO THAT ANYMORE! Duh your not that bright are you? You been seen doing it regularly even the clients do it, when they are on breaks and when they are not. Clients and Staff members smoke on the fire exit which is against the law. Only takes one person to report it and then they will catch you. Even smoking in front of the building is against the law as your on council property. The only place you should be smoking is on the public path way.
The day to day running of CDG is a complete and total joke. Ran by someone who thinks they are in charge but in all reality has no clue on what they are doing. Laws are being broken, clients are being bullied and general rules are disregarded as they are worthless. When you read this you will find a way to block it and say its all un true and its just another lie. Well just to warn you many more people are willing to stand up for their rights and that time is coming.
Walk out with some dignity or be exposed and taking through the mud time and time again. A peace offering was made and you have made nothing off it. Ladies and gentlemen the above is the whole truth, the truth and so help me god nothing but the truth.
Hope you enjoyed
Sarnus
Comments
Hide the following 8 comments
Not all CDG centres are shit
15.02.2008 18:26
I went on a 13 week course about 2 months ago and I was looked after.
Put it this way, I've got a job now and CDG had some input!
I'd been out of work for about 10 months. I'd done shop work before but it was too stressful for me cos I had other problems.
I remember being told that I had to go to CDG and I didn't like this "mandatory" thing one bit. I remeber feeling like a prisoner at first and I did play up.
Yeah there were times when I was bored out of my face but instead of just sitting there, I said something. Sometimes you have to ASK cos if you don't ask you don't get. Right?
Other people were quite happy to sit on their arses and moan.
Yeah, maybe I shouldn't have to ask but they were short staffed. I could see the tutors running around trying to get some decent time with people. The centre was packed out with job seekers and so called job seekers who were just being a waste of space.
I thought my CV was good but me and my tutor made it better.
I didnt want to do retail anymore even thought the cow at the job centre kept telling me to apply for shop jobs. My tutor gave me other options and I thought I'd give admin a go. Guess what? Because I did a placement in an office, I got a job there and I'm still there now and I'm hoping to get a promotion.
I was allowed to go to an ECDL course at Learn direct and CDG allowed me to do that on wednesdays.
My tutor gave me advice about housing benefit and even came with me to the housing office.
CDG did other things for me too. I did basic skills with them and even though I didn't get a qualification, my spelling has got better and it helped me to remember what I had forgotten from school.
We used to have staff/client meetings AND the staff made promises and kept them. They encouraged feedback.
I remember seeing a girl being bullied. No staff turned a blind eye and the bastard was kicked off for gross misconduct.
I remember seeing a tutor being pushed against a table. Some of the guys I was with laughed, she was brave about it and the guy that pushed her was a c*nt because she had done nothing to deserve it. He just didnt want a job and he often admitted that. He was a gonner after that happened. The other people laughed - yeah how nice.
There's always room for improvement such as more computers, things to do and maybe less hours. These tutors also need training but people sometimes forget that they're human beings too.
I got a phone call the other day just to see how I am. I'm still waiting for my £100 bonus but they've apologised for the delay. I hope to get it soon but I'm on a bloody good salary and I'm doing an admin L2 so I dont mind waiting.
So Sarnus, stop your whinging and dont tar all CDG centres with the same brush. Sorry yours was shit.
SS
PS Have you got a job yet?
Suzi Soo
Brown wants more of the same
15.02.2008 18:38
Unemployment will NOT be an option, you will be forced to go on a scam training course run by companies like CDG, A4e, Working Links.
Get rich scams, massage the unemployment figures, but do nothing for the unemployed.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391443.html
Keith
Homepage: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391443.html
Disability to be privatised
15.02.2008 18:39
As part of the war against the poor and disadvantaged, the disabled are the next to be targetted.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391465.html
Keith
Homepage: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391465.html
reply to comments
15.02.2008 19:44
I know you guys don't want to be on these courses, I've known that since I've been doing this job. I wish this could be a voluntary option for you guys but I can't change that. Sorry.
I like the job that I do and most of the people I meet are amazing people who are talented, great to talk to with lives and families of their own.
Some people I talk to don't realise how good they really are.
Here's another thing: I don't like Job Centre Plus, in fact I don't like the government full-stop. Just because I do this job it doesn't mean that I have to love Labour.I have no interest in the financial side of CDG. It's not my job - I did finance as a job ten years ago. I have no interest in finance. The only "money" thing I am interested in is the £300 CDG grant that clients can apply for. This can be used to pay for training courses, driving lessons, protective equipment and tools for jobs. My only miff about it is that it takes H.O. a long time to sort out!
We have the £100 bonus for clients who get a job and it is not a bribe! Yeah, it takes time for H.O. to sort out but I recieved a huge wad of cheques for people the other week.
One thing I can't stand is people who sit there and just moan which is why I'm running regular staff and client meetings at my centre where clients can vent off a bit of steam, ask us for stuff and right now, I'm doing my best to make positive changes and keep promises. It takes time and I haven't got a magic wand.
Believe it or not, I am aware that a lot of you guys KNOW how to do a CV which is why I like to hear ideas from you! You have different levels of abilty and needs and I do not treat people like muppets. I give advice and help to those who need it but I don't ignore those who don't.
I am a human being that may sometimes require training. I am not a know-it-all robot with every single answer to every single existing question in the universe. I have my own feelings and my own life and I am a human being like the rest of you. I like to listen and talk to people and I like to have a laugh. People take life too seriously and I don't want my centre to have that prison vibe. I am not perfect and I was once a job seeker myself. I have been through the so-called Labour system.
Why do I do this job? Maybe I'm just nuts. Maybe I just want to do a job that involves helping people. In my mind, I do not work for CDG or JCP. Yeah, CDG pay my rent for my flat etc etc but I do it because I want to help decent people back into work by offering new ideas and opportunities. I could always go back to office work but that's too boring for me.
Right now I'm working on IT training for my centre. I'm also planning other sessions that I hope will be more of a challenge to those who will meet me. I often do this at home which probably makes me a saddo, I know! There's not enough hours in the day and there's no time for me to sit in front of the PC (that clients need to use) and ignore people. I actually get bored of doing CV/letter writing/Application form sessions (but I still have to do them of course!) but I try my best to liven them up.
I think CDG centres need more computers, better staff (in some!), more training opportunities, more input from JCP, health and safety issues need to be addressed (my centre is not a death trap though!), less paperwork and more action from clients and staff.
I speak on behalf of my centre and myself and not on behalf of other centres and colleagues.
Feel free to nit pick at me, criticise my spelling and grammar etc. I do not care.
In the interests of my sanity and personal life, I wish to remain anonymous. I feel like I'm doing this job 24/7 as it is.
I hope to meet some of you one day, wherever that may be. Good luck with the job search and don't let anyone grind you down but don't just sit on your arse and moan!
Cheers,
CDG Tutor
aren't we the lucky ones
18.02.2008 18:09
CDG, A4e, Working Links are not there to help the unemployed as some altruistic venture, they are there because to them each unemployed person who walks through their door has a big pound sign stamped on their forehead. That is why US companies are eying up this lucrative market sector.
'Suzi Soo' and 'CDG Tutor' make some interesting and valid points, but then spoil what they have to say by taking a patronising attitude to anyone who dares to stick their head above the parapet and complain.
Clients and tutors who have raised issues about CDG are not making some pathetic whinge or failing to get up off their backsides, they are raising legitimate concerns about CDG and the other training companies who have latched onto this lucrative training racket.
Those who dare criticise CDG then find they are targetted by CDG. 'CDG Tutor' wisely chose not to give his real name, but they will be busily checking their computer logs to try and discover who dared make the comment, who has been accessing Indymedia UK.
CDG claim to be 'very successful in helping clients back into work', a meaningless statement when not backed up with hard figures.
The national figures for New Deal are not good. The accepted measure is holding a decent job for at least six months.
http://education.guardian.co.uk/further/story/0,,766749,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6652745.stm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=507942&in_page_id=1770
One of the original advisers to New Labour when they came to power ten years ago has recently stated there is no evidence that New Deal in the private sector is working.
'Suzi Soo' is lucky if she got help, jobseekers are lucky if they have had as claimed 'CDG Tutor' giving them a helping hand, but for many others it has been an entirely different story.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/11/386689.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/12/388044.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/12/388504.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/01/390153.html?c=on
http://www.schnews.org.uk/archive/news614.htm
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/01/390290.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/390471.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/390638.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/390901.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/390923.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391396.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391397.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391531.html
'CDG Tutor' attacks Job Centres. Yes, there are arseholes at Job Centres who take a perverse delight in seeing people suffer, who arbitrarily stop benefit. But challenge at a Tribunal and win.
There are also staff at Job Centres who try to help, but that job is being made ever more impossible because of funding cuts, money being diverted into the private sector for scam training courses.
There may well be a £300 grant available from CDG or £100 if you find a job, but why not simply cut out the middle man and have the Job Centres pay it direct?
Yes, there is a need, an urgent and pressing need, for high quality training, be it basic literacy and numeracy, learning a foreign language, passing a driver theory test, or computer security.
But what is on offer? A Hobson's choice of a 13 week stint at CDG (or another me-too training scam) or Gordon Brown's favourite, a McQual from McDonald's which sets you up for life for er a low-paid McShit job flipping burgers.
http://www.schnews.org.uk/archive/news619.htm#8
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/01/390290.html?c=on
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/01/390346.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391443.html?c=on
So what does CDG do when clients identify needs? Let us look at a couple of examples.
A client takes in his laptop to mug up on driving theory test, a job position is the outcome. He can of course rely on help and support from CDG. Er, no. He was told to stop, then barred from bringing in his laptop.
The response from CDG: 'time may be better spent looking for a job that did not require a driving licence he did not have.'
Another client had the opportunity of teaching English to foreign students, had experience of doing so, but no formal qualifications in that field. Client talks with the prospective employer, draws up a literacy proposal which involves involving the students in BookCrossing, writes a few book reviews which are posted whilst at CDG, to be verbally disciplined by CDG (no proper disciplinary procedures followed) for accessing an 'inappropriate website'.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/
The response from CDG: 'a completely unrealistic job goal'.
No offer of help or training or money from CDG to help improve job prospects, just a kick in the teeth for any client who gets off their backside and shows some personal initiative and tries to improve their job prospects. Those who found their own job placements got the same treatment. On the other hand, if CDG can make a little bit more money by pushing someone onto one of their training courses, they will do it.
A client who had previously done First Aid, was told to do yet another First Aid course. The client was not given the option of saying no.
CDG did though have some 'appropriate' jobs for clients: cleaners on south-west trains (it had prospects, you might become an engine driver), and you have guessed, working in McDonald's (but it did have 'management' prospects).
I do not know whether it wants to make me laugh or cry.
One big sick joke. The sad thing is it is people's lives that are being ruined.
So please 'Suzi Soo', regard yourself as lucky, don't kick in the teeth or belittle those a little lower down the ladder who have not had your helping hand. CDG is doing a good enough job already in degrading and humiliating them everyday
A few questions that hopefully 'CDG Tutor' can answer: How much are CDG receiving for each Jobseeker, what bonus payment is paid for each Jobseeker by whatever means removed off the unemployment register? What bonus payments are staff receiving for hitting and exceeding monthly targets and what are those targets? But please do not respond from CDG as they will be (illegally) tracking your internet activity and the clients need good tutors (assuming of course you are not yet another CDG bullshitter).
Keith
propaganda
19.02.2008 09:24
Any class war anarchos out there?
hatred
more CDG lies
19.02.2008 18:22
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391531.html
The response from CDG was a pack of lies. One client who looked at their response dismissed it as 'a load a of bollocks'.
Keith
LMAO at Suzi Soo and CDG tutor
24.02.2008 13:49
I just felt like i was just a big £ sign to them.
Sleeper