Key skills boost for sustainable employment

Nov 20 2007

EMPLOYING the right people is not just about candidates ticking the relevant academic boxes; it is also important that your new employee demonstrates many other personal skills to further improve your workforce.

Having recognised that developing an understanding of what ‘the world of work’ is like and what employers expect can’t be achieved solely by learning new skills, Working Links has designed ‘the work placement experience’ to complement the courses the company offers, and to enable individuals to get an idea of the working environment and gain additional skills.

Sarah Elmasri is one of a five-strong team of work placement officers which operates across the North-east as well as one of three covering the whole of the Tees Valley.

She said: “Working Links offers many programmes to improve people’s skills, but many employers also often ask for experience and this can often be one of the biggest barriers for potential new recruits. This is where the work placement team comes in.

"The work placement experience has been designed to put into practice all the things that are discussed and learned as part of the various skills courses we deliver, such as attendance, attitude, communication skills, taking and following instructions and basic skills.

“A short work placement is an invaluable period of time which has proved to be very successful for employers as well as jobseekers. The employer benefits by having that ‘extra pair of hands’ at no cost whatsoever, while our client gains some valuable work experience in a safe environment.”

In many instances, placements can actually turn into paid employment with the same employer.

David Laing is one such example. David, 23, had never worked before and didn’t think many employers would take a chance on him. But, having done a five-week work placement with TK Maxx, David, from Hartlepool, learned new skills in a real work environment, and his attitude towards work improved greatly. In fact, TK Maxx was so impressed with him, the company offered him a full-time position at the store.

To find out more about work placements, contact Sarah at Working Links on 01642 250 750.