Write to Work - Directions

Write to Work is a 12-week skills development course with creativity at its heart. At WoW we know that writing is fundamental to effective communication and in an ever-changing employment landscape that makes writing the number one skill. The course supports learners to explore an exciting range of writing skills, developing their confidence to get the job they want and explore further education or vocational training.

Have you ever wondered how to write for social media or create a successful blog? What about learning to write for the gaming industry or becoming a freelance copy writer? Write to Work is not just your regular writing course, it gives learners the chance to explore a host of writing practises and learn first-hand from successful writers doing those jobs.

The course covers everything from blogging and social media to podcasting and journalism. Over 12-weeks the course will improve confidence and strengthen your writing abilities, allowing you to plan your next steps to employment or further education in a motivational and supportive environment. At the end of the programme your work will collated in a published anthology that will be available to buy at local bookshops such as News from Nowhere and at Waterstones in Liverpool One.

The course is funded by Directions - European Social Fund and in association with The Women’s Organisation. Directions aims to raise aspirations, develop skills and awareness of pathways into employment and enhance the wellbeing of the individuals and those around them.  Through empowering the individual, we will enable communities to flourish.

Thanks to Interchange, Nicole Benefer wrote an evaluation on the Write to Work project.

You can read the full report here
 

'I have had some good news recently for my proofreading business - I have been awarded an upgrade in my membership of the Society of Editors and Proofreaders from Intermediate to Professional member - so I am super pleased! and I wanted to say thank you to you and the Write to Work team for all the help and support you gave me in those early days of my self-employment.' - Caroline Barden 

Stephanie Gavan, a previous participant on Write to Work is now embarking on a MA at The Royal College of Art:
'The MA is a 15-month programme that combines workshop models of learning with outward-facing projects in collaboration with arts organizations. It was originally named 'Critical Writing in Art & Design', but it has since become simply 'MA Writing', to encourage more of a multidisciplinary approach. It's quite a particular course, being within an art school, and treats writing as an artistic practice in and of itself, with lots of scope for experimentation. 

When I applied to Write to Work I'd just moved back to the UK after working away for 3 years. Going to the class every week gave me a sense of purpose at a time when I felt otherwise directionless. I knew I wanted to write but doubted my ability and didn't know where to begin. Having assignments and deadlines was useful in pushing me to make a start and become accountable. Through the course, I was able to build up a small body of work which formed the basis of my application portfolio. It gave me the opportunity to form professional relationships with the visiting writers and editors, who have continued to support me by offering feedback and publishing my work (Double Negative, Corridor8). The consistent encouragement from the Write to Work group and the project leaders Ciaran and Lauren gave me permission to take my writing seriously, which was incredibly validating. For me the course acted as a catalyst, giving me the tools and confidence to push myself and seek new opportunities. These efforts have culminated over the past year to put me in the position I am today, and I'm really grateful to Writing on the Wall for providing me with that initial step.'