New job match making service launched

Apr 15 2008 by The Journal

A NEW training and employment programme has been launched across the North East to pair up employers struggling to fill vacancies with unemployed people looking to get their first step on the career ladder.

The Skills for Jobs programme aims to help businesses fill the skills gap, while helping jobseekers develop the skills employers are looking for. The scheme is delivered by Essential People, the skills and development arm of employment specialist Working Links.

Rather than simply trying to place candidates into positions, Essential People works closely with employers to understand what skills they need. Together they put together a pre-job training programme to train prospective employees. In most cases, learners who successfully complete the training are then offered a work placement or job interview with the employer.

One of the first employers to benefit from the new service is SSP UK, the company that manages many of the bars and restaurants at Newcastle Airport. To help the company fill up to 90 vacancies in customer service and hospitality, Essential People has developed a training programme to give unemployed jobseekers all of the skills needed for the positions available, with the offer of a guaranteed interview at the end of the course. The programme covers everything from key employability skills, such as problem solving, communication and customer service to assistance with completing application forms and advice on interview techniques.

Sharon Campbell, from Essential People, said: "The attraction of the Skills for Jobs programme is that it offers a win-win solution. Employers can be sure that they are recruiting staff with the necessary skills while jobseekers can be confident of gaining the exact skills employers are looking for and that will allow them to progress in their chosen career.

"We've developed this training specifically with these jobs in mind, to make it as easy as possible for anyone who's been out of work for a while - and who perhaps feels that they don't have up-to-date skills or experience - to make the move back into employment."    Businesses requiring a helping hand with their recruitment should call Working Links on  (0191) 293 6500.