Work experience programme ‘Opens Door’ for Callum!
HUNDREDS of job seekers continue to get their foot on the career ladder thanks to a work experience programme delivered by Staffordshire County Council.
Twenty-two year old Callum Edwards is the latest person to benefit from the programme, having secured a full time job as a Laboratory Technician with rapidly expanding business Professional Test Solutions Ltd, based in Wolverhampton.
Having graduated from the University of Salford during the pandemic, Callum found it difficult to find jobs related to his chosen field of physics. After spending 18 months working in grocery retail, he finally decided to have another go at finding a job that would make better use of his qualification.
Callum turned to the Open Door team for help in October 2021 and after discussing his goals and aspirations, started a twelve-week work experience placement with PTS Ltd. He impressed his bosses so much that after only four weeks they offered him a full time job.
Callum said: “I had been searching for jobs related to engineering and physics since I finished my degree, but due to the pandemic, many companies either weren’t hiring or there was limited availability for related jobs.
“I contacted the Open Door team and after explaining my position, they quickly put me in touch with Professional Test Solutions. Within days I had a meeting to discuss my placement and the week after I attended my first day.
“I began learning all of the key processes needed to be a full time employee. Although it was a new challenge, I was able to use knowledge from my studies to help me through.
“I would absolutely recommend the programme to others in the same boat as me. It was very easy to get started and I felt welcomed immediately.”
Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council said: “The Opendoor programme is an important part of our work to grow our local economy and create good quality jobs.
“We offer candidates a tailored work experience placement within a wide variety of roles to suit the career they are looking for. If we don’t have a suitable placement within the council, we will go out to local employers to find one. We wish Callum all the best for the future.”
Alex Smith, Managing Director at PTS said: “We chose Open Door as they demonstrated great engagement, a willingness to understand exactly what our business needs and having in-depth knowledge of their candidates.”
Open Door started back in 2009 and has helped over 1,100people. Anyone over 18 is eligible to apply to the programme, which focuses on
helping those who face difficulties and barriers in finding work. This could include people with disabilities, mental health issues, ex-offenders, children leaving care, school leavers and graduates.
■ For further information on the Open Door Staffordshire scheme please contact 01785 854486 or email opendoor@staffordshire.gov.