Job Centre steps in to help people make impression... on dating sites
Maidstone’s job centre is used to matching people with the right work – but now it could help find you the perfect partner too.
The branch is running digital workshops open to the whole community, teaching people everything from using a mouse to drafting a CV and even how to upload a picture to a dating website.
The scheme is the first of its kind in the South East, and it’s hoped other job centres in Kent will follow suit.
It is the brainchild of JobCentre Plus digital leader Keith Johnson. He said: “Some people are afraid of the JobCentre but we want to reach out to people and give something back to the wider community. The event is open to all – not just benefit claim- ants – and is not just job search but to show attendees how the digital world could enrich their lives.
“The first one was mostly used by jobseekers, but we did have a man come along asking if we could help him with his online dating profile.
“The best part of my job is helping people, whether that is finding that someone has managed to get an interview as a result of these workshops or even to hear that that chap got a date.” The project was launched in May, where 116 people came through the doors in three hours, with queries including how to use net networking site LinkedIn, get emails on their mobile phone and upload a CV. Mr Johnson is hoping the latest workshop will prove even more popular. Mr Johnson added: “Now for 90% of jobs you need to be able to send an email to apply and the internet opens up so many opportunities when it comes to job seeking. “But we realise for someone who may have been in a job for 25 years and then finds themselves out of work, that navigating the digital world may be a difficulty. We want to help with that in an informal, enjoyable environment.”