Service’s know-how a boost for the jobless
A MOTHER, her brother and her son are all benefiting from the support on offer from West Middlesbrough Works, a project funded by West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) to help people move into employment.
Bernadette Myers from Whinney Banks, Middlesbrough, and her brother Barry Myers from West Lane, Middlesbrough, have both started new careers since turning to West Middlesbrough Works for support.
Bernadette is West Middlesbrough Works’ new Community Engagement Adviser and Barry has secured a Customer Service role with a local contact centre. Bernadette’s 17-year-old son is also being supported by West Middlesbrough Works to secure an apprenticeship.
Bernadette, 38, first heard about the service when she was given a leaflet by her mother. Having worked in retail for the past 10 years, Bernadette really wanted a change of career but did not know where to get help. She said: “It felt like fate when my mother handed me the leaflet so I decided to pay a visit to West Middlesbrough Works.”
Bernadette began meeting with Employment Adviser Mel Shawcross to discuss her options. Bernadette said: “Mel helped me to realise that I had transferrable skills that could help me to change my career. She helped to boost my confidence as I was dreading the interview, the last one I had was ten years ago!”
The interview tips paid off, Bernadette has now begun her new role and is really enjoying her career choice. She said: “I love getting out and about in the community and encouraging other people to access the support they need. I didn’t know where to turn but now I can tell others.”
Bernadette’s brother Barry had been out of work for 7 years and was also in need of a confidence boost to help him move back into the labour market. Barry received one- to-one support from Mel including a skills assessment, which enabled him to recognise his transferrable skills, job search techniques and interview skills.
Barry, who is really enjoying being back at work, said “The support I received from Mel was great. She was helpful and friendly and really gave me the boost I needed to return to work.’
Mel said: “West Middlesbrough Works is about helping people to recognise their potential and supporting them to move into employment. It’s great to see my support has had such a positive impact on this family. This is what my job is all about.”
West Middlesbrough Works is an employment initiative which supports residents of Whinney Banks, Newport and West Lane, through the often daunting process of getting back into the job market. The project is delivered in partnership with Acumen Development Trust and West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust.
If you live in West Middlesbrough and want support to move into employment, training or enterprise, call the WMNT Resource Centre, Meath Street, Middlesbrough, on 01642 255001.
