1000th young person starts in work thanks to Future Jobs Fund

Figures released today by the Commission for the New Economy show that as part of the Future Jobs Fund initiative 1000 young people have now found employment and started working in new jobs created specifically to give young people an opportunity.

The ten AGMA Councils (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan) have worked together to secure £52m from the Government to create 8000 new jobs by March 2011, for the young people of Greater Manchester as part of the Future Jobs Fund. Working in tandem with
Jobcentre Plus jobs are being created in local authorities and, in addition, a number of large employers have shown their support and are creating new and exciting jobs to offer local people.

Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“I am pleased that Greater Manchester has given a thousand young people the chance of a job and the opportunity to make a difference in their community. The Government is guaranteeing every young person a job, training or work experience after six months unemployment. In the 80s youth unemployment kept rising for four years after the recession ended. We are investing in help now to make sure that will never happen again and a generation of talent isn’t wasted.”

Lord Peter Smith, Chair of AGMA says:

“It is wonderful to celebrate the achievement of the 1000th person into work through the Future Jobs Fund in Greater Manchester. We all know the country is recovering from recession. Past and present experiences tell us that young people are often the hardest hit by adverse economic conditions.

“This is why we are creating new jobs that would not have existed otherwise, aimed specifically at 18-24 year olds claiming Job Seekers Allowance for six months or more. I’m also extremely proud that the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester have played their part with the largest programme in the country. This shows that local government is at the forefront of providing real help for local people when they need it the most. I also know from talking to voluntary groups who employ these young people what a fabulous job they are doing. Above all I’m pleased for the young people themselves – these are fantastic opportunities to work, to learn and to start building their careers in the future. We wish them the very best!"

Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information or to arrange interview – photo opportunities with case studies below please contact Liz Reuben Head of Communications , Commission for the new Economy on 0161 237 4179 or 07525 392369.

• Future Jobs Fund was launched by the DWP in June 2009 as part of the Young Persons Guarantee, to create new jobs over two years to support long-term unemployed young people into work. Greater Manchester submitted the biggest and boldest Future Jobs Fund (FJF) bid in the Country, by combining the efforts of the ten Greater Manchester local authorities with other partners The Future Jobs Fund will create 8,000 new jobs over two years to support Greater Manchester’s long-term unemployed young people into work and make a  real difference to our communities. Councils and partners have already pledged to create over 6000 of these jobs.
• Manchester’s Commission for the New Economy has been established to strategically co-ordinate the work in the field of economic development, employment and skills in the area of the ten AGMA Local Authorities (the Association for Greater Manchester Authorities, made up of the local authorities of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan).

CASE STUDIES

BOLTON

Jenni, 22 years, had recently graduated from University and had applied for numerous positions with no response. She was informed of the Future Jobs Fund by her Jobcentre Plus advisor and asked to be put forward for a position as an Administrator.

She was interviewed by Alan, a Guidance Officer from Bolton Wise, who immediately recognised that Jenni had the qualities and commitment suitable for the position.

“After talking to Jenni for around 10 minutes I knew that she would fit into the organisation and compliment the work that it delivers” said Alan.

Jenni was offered a Future Jobs Fund position and immediately took up the offer. “After months of looking for a job, for someone to say that they would take me on was a great feeling” said Jenni “I feel a lot more confident, enjoy the work that I am doing and have made a lot of new friends. It’s brilliant to have a reason to get up in the morning and the bonus is that I am now working with the team that helps people like me to get into jobs”

BURY
Future Jobs Fund – Bury Council

Scott left the army two years ago. Scott served his country in Iraq. After leaving the armed forces Scott did find work but like many young people found himself unemployed due to the recession. Scott has a very strong work ethic and found it very frustrating that he could not find further work. He joined the Urban Strategy Team at Bury Council and has quickly settled in as part of the team. Scott is learning new skills every day. He has assisted with a loyal visit, drafted a press release and will be helping with the organisation of Bury Council’s Community Conference.

Scott will also be starting his European Driving Licence qualification to add a recent qualification to his CV.

________________________________________

Lily has become a really valued member of our team at Bury Archives.  She has been learning lots of new skills, digitising photographs and interacting with customers online using a service specific database.  She has begun her NVQ level 2 in customer care.  She is developing lots of research skills and skills in caring for archives collections.  Lily is always keen to learn new things to develop her skills and knowledge. 

MANCHESTER
Victoria Madden
Age 18
Fallowfield

“Before Future Jobs Fund I was on an art design and media course at college, I didn’t enjoy the course and ended up on unemployment benefit. I am now working as a Visitor Services Assistant at the Manchester Museum where I meet and greet the public and help people find their way around the Museum and get the most from their visit. I met the Lord Mayor of Manchester yesterday, received a certificate and had my picture taken, my Mum and Dad are really proud of me”

OLDHAM
Michael Clark
Age: 24
Company: Street Scene

Michael has been with Street Scene since the 13th January. Prior to joining Street Scene Michael had been unemployed for 3 years, so when he was successful at interview stage he was delighted. Stan Mitchell Area Manager for Street Scene is delighted with the progress that Michael has made since he joined. Michael is always looking to learn new skills and has developed a strong skill set in the two months he has been there. Michael is enjoying the role as every day is a different challenge for him and he is constantly learning and growing. There is a good team spirit a Street Scene and Michael enjoys working in a team.

ROCHDALE
Dale Thompson is 20 years old and this is his first job. He works as a support worker in Rochdale Council – an opportunity created through the Future Jobs Fund as part of the Greater Manchester wide project.

He is a keen and enthusiastic young worker; an inspiration to others who experience barriers to employment.

Dale did not have a great experience of school – which resulted in him not achieving the results he felt he needed to get a job. He found himself becoming distanced from “the system” and felt on his own. He tried to get work in a manual field but he couldn’t get a break anywhere.

He was finding himself falling into depression; not being able to find work was sapping his energy and confidence and he was finding life a struggle.

He had enjoyed supporting and caring for family members informally in the past but had never had the opportunity to convert these skills into a career.

Until Future Jobs Fund. Having spoken to his advisor, Dale decided to apply for a job as a support worker with Rochdale Council, helping young people with learning difficulties or disabilities to develop their skills. He was petrified at the idea of attending an interview, particularly for an area he was so inexperienced at but he gathered the courage. Dale says, “I thought I’d break down with nerves but I managed to hold myself together.”

As it happened, he found the interview very relaxed and even enjoyed it. Dale says that he couldn’t believe it when he was offered a job – he was thrilled at the opportunity and very happy that an employer had seen that he had something to offer. For the first time, he felt like he had a purpose in life.

“It was hard at first – making that change from benefits to work,” Says Dale. “It was tough getting my head around the difference between having nothing to do all day and then suddenly being busy. But that only took a couple of weeks.”

Dale is developing his confidence – he helps learners with reading and writing. “I like to think that I’m good at it,” says Dale. “That’s what I keep getting told anyway.” “I never expected it to be this good. I think that I’m able to help other young people to make the best of their lives. I think that’s a worthwhile job. If I can do something to help young people to not have the bad experiences I had that that’s fantastic for me.” “I love working in a team – the feeling you get from helping others and being part of a group of people that all do that is great.”

Others have noticed a change in Dale, too. His line manager, Clare Campbell, has been amazed by the way he has developed. Clare is aware of the multiple barriers that Dale has experienced in the past and was struck by how, despite all these negative experiences, Dale has grasped opportunities so eagerly.
“He is so eager to learn, to participate, to develop new skills, take part in any learning opportunities – he’ll do anything. He is a real inspiration.”

Clare is not just struck by Dale himself but by how having him in her team makes a positive difference for the whole service. “We need people like Dale in the Social Care Workforce. He brings a refreshing new dimension to our team. He can see a career for himself in social care now and that’s what we need. Can we have more Dales please!?”

Future Jobs Employment Consultant, Kate Sanderson, says. “It has been a pleasure working with Dale. He is such a hard working and committed young man. His story is a real inspiration to other young people – and Future Jobs is a great opportunity for young people to make those first steps on the career ladder.”

SALFORD

Alan Corry
Age:21
Unemployed: since leaving school / four years
Living: Higher Broughton / Salford
 
Alan is part of a grounds maintenance team cleaning up grounds which without FJF would not be done. Alan enjoys both working outdoors and in a team.
 
——————————————————————————————————-

Ashley Smith
Age: 19
Unemployed: twelve months
Living: Winton, Eccles / Salford
 
Ashley is part of a grounds maintenance team cleaning up grounds throughout western Salford which without FJF would not be done. Ashley enjoys the routine of going to work and working in a team.
 

STOCKPORT
Daniel Clayton, aged 20, has been employed in Stockport Council’s Economic Development Team as part of the Future Jobs Fund. Since joining the Council in January this year, Daniel has been involved in a range of work within the office, and out supporting events organised by the team. In particular he has been involved in key initiatives such as the Stockport ‘Meet the Buyer’ event for local businesses, for example assisting by collating and checking attendee lists and other aspects of event organising. He has also been involved in updating the team’s pages on the Council website, enabling him to both assist the team and put his existing I.T skills to good use. Daniel has also supported colleagues in the wider service area, for example helping to distribute Town Centre newsletters. Daniel has shown a very positive attitude to his work, and has been developing into an increasingly confident and valued member of the team. We look forward to him gaining further experience and skills in the work of the team during his employment with the Council.
 
TRAFFORD
Mark Wieczorek – Trafford Council
Trainee Administration Assistant

Interview process
After my Jobcentre Plus Adviser put my name forward for the Future Jobs Fund position at Trafford Council, an interview was arranged incredibly quickly giving me little time to prepare.

On arrival at Trafford Town Hall all the normal feelings of nervousness and trepidation I get before an interview seemed somewhat magnified. However after being greeted at reception I was made to feel welcome and they did their best to put my mind at ease. We were informed that there were several other positions available which again helped to relieve my nervousness.

The interviews themselves were surprisingly relaxed and my interviewers seemed genuinely interested in me. Their questions were simple and to the point without all the flowery language I have come to expect at interviews. They allowed me to give an honest impression of myself without worrying that I had misunderstood the question. Thankfully I was offered one of the positions.

Working for Trafford Council
The first few weeks working at the Council have been interesting to say the least. After a whirlwind tour of the building and being presented with lots of names and faces to try and remember, I was taken to the office I would be in for the next six months. The people I work with have all been very supportive and have helped me as much as they can.

My responsibilities at the moment are some of the more basic Human Resources tasks such as sickness entry; this frees the other members of the team to focus on the more complex tasks. This isn’t to say that work here is simple or boring, there is always some challenge or problem to tackle to keep things interesting.

The advice I would give to anyone who is think about becoming part of the Future Jobs Fund is that if you’re up for a challenge and want to learn some new skills to help boost your CV then jump into this scheme feet first.

TAMESIDE
John Edwards of Droylsden, Engineering Operative, Tameside MBC

One of the first FJF employees to start with TMBC in Civil Engineering Department on 4th January 2010.

His job has included CAD drawing, setting out and topographical surveying. John has worked on 3 major projects including BSF (Building Schools for the Future), Richmond Park cycle track and Birch Lanelocal highway safety scheme.

John has impressed his supervisors so much that they have secured a secondment opportunity with Dew Construction, working on the Ashton Northern Bypass project. This will give John the opportunity to work additional hours for which he will be paid by Dews and which will further enhance his long term job prospects.

John says he first heard about FJF from Gordon Brown on TV last October and enquired at his local Jobcentre on a number of occasions until the first jobs went live in November. He feels the opportunities he’s currently being given are wonderful and that the support he receives is fantastic. Prior to starting FJF, John was unemployed for 10 months but because of his FJF experience he is now much more optimistic about his future.

WIGAN

Rachael France-Sergeant – Age 20 from Atherton
Place of Work: Wigan Borough Veterans Council, Platt Bridge Community Zone, Wigan

Prior to achieving success with Future Jobs Fund, Rachael had been unemployed for over two years.

Rachael says, “Due to family problems, I had to drop out of college and found myself without any experience or qualifications and the only way for me to have any income was to claim benefits.”

“None of my family work, and I wanted to make something of myself; Future Jobs Fund has really helped me to do this.”

In addition to administration duties such as database entry, answering the ‘phone and filing, Rachael’s job also involves working closely with HMF veterans of all ages in the Wigan area who are in need of advice and guidance.”

When asked what the best part of the job was, Rachael replied, “having a job! Everyone is really friendly and I feel better within myself because the people coming into the centre feel better”