Wolves@Work has helped put almost 500 local people into jobs in just over four months since its official launch.
The City of Wolverhampton Council employment initiative in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was unveiled at Wolverhampton Racecourse on January 25.
The figures are a major boost for the programme, which is aiming to get 3,000 local people, including 1,000 young people, back into work over three years. Enrolment has hit the 1,300-mark, with 290 people also supported into the Sector Based Work Academy programme, and 89 into work experience.
City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: “This is great news for the city and I am delighted Wolves@Work is already delivering jobs for local people. The programme is an important development originating from the Skills and Employment Commission I set up and is receiving strong support from the employers in our city. We are tackling unemployment levels and I want people to benefit from the jobs and growth being generated by the £3.7 billion of investment on site or in the pipeline in the City of Wolverhampton.”
Sarah Jury-Onen, DWP District Manager, said: “I am delighted with the progress the partnership has made and look forward to supporting more local people into work.”
Aimed at improving city employment rates, Wolves@Work has already seen 101 companies, such as National Express, Liberty House, Premier Inn, and JLR pledge their support. Employers have committed to Wolves@Work in different ways, with pledges ranging across work experience, apprenticeships, a commitment to recruit local people and train workforce mentors. Thirty work coaches are being taken on to work with employers and help people into work, so that local people not only have a better chance of getting a job, but also go on to thrive within the workplace. A pool of ‘City Work’ mentors will also support young people alongside the work coaches.
The ‘Wolverhampton Work Pledge Card’ sets out a commitment from employers to work experience for people out of work, apprenticeships, vacancies, business mentors and round-table discussions.
To find out more about how Wolves@Work can help you contact City of Wolverhampton Council Enterprising Communities Manager, Sue Lindup, by emailing [email protected] or calling 01902 550624.
For employers requiring further information or to pledge support please contact City of Wolverhampton Employment Growth Manager, Angela Hoyle, on 01902 550587.