Stevenage businesses rise to work opportunities challenge
An initiative to help create new employment opportunities across Stevenage in Hertfordshire has exceeded its first year target.
The 250 Club was launched by Stevenage Borough Council to help boost the local business economy by making the process of filling vacancies easier for employers and applicants.
Since it was launched, the initiative has helped generate 260 employment opportunities including 3 graduate placements, 126 apprenticeships, 7 traineeships, 118 work experiences, and 7 jobs.
Key partners of the 250 Club include JobCentrePlus, Youth Connexions and North Hertfordshire College (NHC) as well as Wenta and the Princes Trust.
Woodlands Pre-School & Nursery was one of the first local organisations to step up to the challenge of creating new employment opportunities by taking on an apprentice.
Owner Kim Wilkinson said: “I was always unsure about using an apprentice in the past but it has been one of the best moves we made this year.
“My manager has been able to extend her own personal development by undertaking Leadership Mentoring Training while, our apprentice, Sarah has brought her own unique skills into the workplace. Sarah attends college on day release while we support her though her apprenticeship. It’s good to know you are supporting someone and giving them a chance to fulfil their potential.”
Apprentice Sarah Regis said: “Being able to support my learning by gaining practical skills is brilliant. The skills I am learning in the workplace will give me everything I need to go forward in childcare once my apprenticeship is finished. Woodlands have been very supportive. Judith the manager is always there with advice and support.”
Sharon Taylor OBE, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “Evidence shows that providing opportunities for people of all ages to gain experience within the workplace increases their chances of securing a job in the future.
“The 250 Club has brought employers, students and partners together to create more opportunities than ever before.”
Members of the 250 Club, which is free to join and use, can post job vacancies, work experience or placement positions, graduate internships and apprenticeship opportunities while enhancing their own recruitment efforts.
For further information about the 250 Club visit www.the250clubstevenage.co.uk or email stepup@the250clubstevenage.co.uk
Ends
Media contact:
Paul Maguire
T: 01438 791029 or M: 07947 799651
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