Pre-employment training for the unemployed: A case study of a call centre foundation programme

This paper examines a single pre-employment training programme for the unemployed. The training aimed to prepare unemployed participants for work on the front-line of telephone call centres. Drawing on participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the paper analyses one area in particular; the training participants received to enhance their soft skills, particularly as they relate to the concept of ‘aesthetic’ labour. Through providing an in-depth account of the training the paper offers a critique of the programme and identifies the potential drawbacks associated with offering this form of ‘employability’ training for those who face many barriers to employment.