North East Leeds MP Fabian Hamilton has officially
opened the new office of an employment programme to help West
Yorkshire people get back to work.
Mr Hamilton officially opened the office and
also handed out rewards to three successful candidates at the New
Year New Start event, held at Working Links’ Leeds office in Chapel
Allerton, on Friday 15 January.
The 1st Step Engagement programme has been
devised by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) and
Jobcentre Plus and is part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF)
to help people furthest away from the job market to take their
first steps back into sustainable employment.
Jobcentre Plus manager Ian Hunter said:
“Jobcentre Plus is committed to helping people find work and
training; working with partners such as Working Links to deliver
this support."
The project is being delivered by employment
specialists, Working Links along with other partner organisations
across the region. It aims to help 7,500 people across Leeds,
Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield by the end of the
contract in June 2011.
Yvonne Hackwell, Performance Manager at the
Working Links Leeds office, said: “Since the programme began in
July 2008, more than 2700 people from across West Yorkshire have
benefitted from the 1st Step programme, with more than 360 of these
going into employment. The candidates honoured today are testament
to the programme’s success with all currently in long-term
employment.”
Jobseekers are assigned a caseworker to assist
and mentor them through their route to employment and also aid with
sign-posting to any training they may require. Support with job
search, CVs, interview techniques and post-employment help is also
on hand.
Mr Hamilton handed out achievement
certificates to four candidates who have been through the 1st
Step initiative and have successfully found employment across the
region.
Yuen Ken Tsang, (23), from North Leeds, was
keen to move into the catering business and is now a Kitchen
Assistant. Nancy Cumming, (33), from Leeds, completed a six week
care and basic food hygiene course and is now a Carer/Caterer.
Lauren Harrison, (19), from Huddersfield, received assistance
matching her skills to job roles and completing application forms.
Lauren has recently secured a position with SLC group as a Social
Care Support Worker.
Mr Hamilton said: “I am delighted to be part
of the 1st Step celebratory event and congratulate all the
candidates, staff and partners of Working Links on their successes.
West Yorkshire contributes towards half of the Yorkshire and Humber
economic output so initiatives like the 1st Step programme are
essential to help people get back to work in tough times of
recession.”
To get involved with the 1st Step programme
please call 0113 237 9950.