An NHS Trust has launched a unique scheme which offers job seekers over the age of 25 work experience – helping them back into the world of work. The programme, aptly named the World of Work, is run by the Volunteer Service at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and has been co-funded to the tune of £236,000 which will cover 12 months.
It aims to attract 150 unemployed or job-seeking residents within the Birmingham and Solihull catchment area, who will be trained over the course of the next year. The scheme will take on 16 students at a time, over an eight week period, where they will be taught new skills and have their existing ones enhanced.
The students will be referred to the scheme by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Job Centre Plus and it will also be offered to members of the Trust’s Volunteers team for those who qualify and are in the catchment area, with the ultimate goal will be to help attendees successfully apply for and secure jobs.
The first cohort, launched earlier this month, will benefit from induction training, a work experience placement as well as interview and CV workshops. They will also be given opportunities in accessing further education, and training as well as the chance of an apprenticeship within the Trust.
Volunteer Service Manager Liza Gill, who is leading the programme said: “We’re thrilled to see this programme launch. A lot of hard work has gone into it from all involved. We’ve got a comprehensive training plan in place for all attendees. We’ll also be offering tailored support throughout to achieve the best outcomes.”
Eddie Edmead, Major Grants Manager for Your Trust Charity who secured funds for the project and also ran one of the very first sessions was equally passionate about the endeavour: “We are enthusiastic about this new and exciting venture. We’re looking forward to achieving some great outcomes with work placements within our Trust, as well as potentially with partnership service providers.”
Interested parties can find further information by going to https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/volunteers/ or alternatively by contacting Liza on 0121 5074891 or email lizagill@nhs.net.
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