JOBSEEKERS and entrepreneurs in Colchester have been boosted after local groups providing employment and skills training were handed £42,500.

Colchester Council has handed the money to Signpost, Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) and GO4 enterprises to support their work helping businesses get off the ground and providing work and education opportunities for borough residents.

The £20,000 from the Enterprise Skills and Employment grant awarded to Signpost will allow more Greenstead Job Club sessions, where more and more unemployed residents are being referred.

The employment support centre offers residents training opportunities, CV writing classes and job search skills.

GO4 Enterprises will benefit from £7,500 enabling them to provide equipment and training for some of the 1,100 Colchester 18-24-year olds who are not in employment, education or training and are currently claiming job seekers allowance.

They also work with offenders to try and stop them committing further offences.

And Colbea will receive £15,000 to provide one-to-one advice, support and training for anyone looking to start up a business.

The agency manages two “incubation” centres in the town centre and in the north of Colchester, where tenants get on-tap advice along with an office with general reception and meeting facilities.

Nick Barlow, councillor responsible for economic development said: “We are delighted to award this grant funding to these experienced local organisations.

“We’re confident they will help give local people the chance to improve their skills and keep Colchester’s economy thriving.”