Two initiatives which bridge the gap between individuals seeking work and employers has led to successful recruitment for a new Spar store that recently opened in Gainsborough.
West Lindsey District Council has been working with a range of partners including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support people into employment, creating a thriving community.
An employment and skills fair, held in November created an opportunity for job seekers to connect with industry professionals and explore various career opportunities. It also offered employers the opportunity to showcase vacancies and career paths.
Alongside the Jobs Fair, partners worked together with Spar to deliver a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme which gave job seekers the opportunity to develop skills, to increase their chance of gaining a job with the employer. It also gave participants a valuable insight to the world of work, aligning them with the specific needs of employers in today’s competitive job market.
In total, Gainsborough Job Centre supported nineteen customers to successfully gain employment with Spar which has been built within the Keepmoat Homes’ Warren Wood development, off Foxby Lane in Gainsborough.
Graham Metcalfe, Lincolnshire Partnership Manager at Department for Work and Pensions said:
“It’s great that we have been able to work on another joint venture with local skills partners, West Lindsey District Council and Lincoln College. Together we have been able to support local people with the skills required by the employer to fill job opportunities, which is great.”
Lincoln College help to develop and deliver the Sector Based Work Academy Programme. Gemma Bush, Curriculum Lead for Online and Community Learning at Lincoln College said:
“These programmes are a great opportunity for local residents to learn new skills and get experience of working in a particular industry as it involves support and input from the local employer and the programmes are designed to help improve job prospects.”
The Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) included workshops on the day in the life of the employer, an introduction to Customer Service and many other topics including:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Applying for a job and Mock interviews
- Certificate in Employability Level 1
- Internet Safety, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity
For more details about apprenticeships and the West Lindsey Employment and skills Partnership please visit their website.