New training scheme to help jobless find work
A PRE-EMPLOYMENT training programme for people struggling to find work will start this month at a Valley business.
Rossendale council’s Rossendale Works, Lancashire Adult Learning, Active Lancashire and Rawtenstall’s We Buy Books have teamed up to offer the work-based training programme to help and encourage candidates into employment.
Running for a week beginning on June 27, it follows a programme at Interfloor in January.
The scheme offers an opportunity for people in Rossendale to get experience and training, and gain a qualification, before the prospect of potential job opportunities at the end of the programme.
Candidates are able to visit the business to experience first-hand the type of work undertaken and achieve Level 1 in Health and Safety, First Aid, and ICT skills.
Learners will also receive coaching and take part in mock interviews ahead of actual interviews with the company on the final day. The previous pre-employment course saw four individuals interviewed - with all four being offered work.
Gary McEwan, HR director at Interfloor who are one of the hosts for this programme, said: “The course earlier this year was a big success, with all the interviewed candidates being employed by Interfloor as a result.
“We are looking forward to meeting the next round of candidates.”
Council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said: “The first programme proved to be a real success and a testament to what can be achieved when private and public sectors work together. That’s why the Rossendale Works team and their partners organisations are confident that this second programme at We Buy Books will be equally successful.”
Brad Hacking, business development manager and head of projects from We Buy Books, said: “This is a really useful exercise for all involved, kind of like a try before you buy for both the candidates and businesses. Rossendale Works have been really helpful in pulling all the parties together and if at the end of the day we get some great candidates trained and ready to go, we’ll be more than happy.
“I would encourage other businesses to explore programmes such as this.”
Places are limited for the programme, and anyone interested should enquire at: bit. ly/22standout