Published March 19, 2021 at 15:30
AFTER a four-week placement with a firm in Haslingden, Kierren Cramp so impressed bosses he landed himself a full-time job as a repair technician.
Kierren, 20, from Bacup, now works for domestic appliance repair company E&S Services, on Grane Road, and is one of nine success stories from the new Rossendale Youth Works
The Rossendale Council scheme, in partnership with Active Lancashire, is backed by funding from the Department of Work and Pensions and led by Andy Clark.
Kierren said: “Universal Credit recommended me to the project and I did courses on employability and CV writing and that boosted my confidence.
“Before I was just stuck at home with no time schedule. I have heart problems and I got a dog to help me, but when he died at six-months-old and I was struggling.”
Project Officer Andy said: “Kierren was stuck to his X-box, not seeing his GP, but from the first meeting in December he began taking part in online activities including mindfulness and he was encouraged to come to the employability hub where he did really well in all the courses.
“Currently there are 25 to 30 young people aged 18-25 on the project and I am looking for more employers to come on board and offer placements.”
Rossendale Council leader Councillor Alyson Barnes said: “I am delighted that Rossendale once again is leading the way with this innovative approach to helping our young people to get experience leading to full-time jobs.
“It is a difficult time for so many as a result of the pandemic and its impact on the economy. Andy is doing an excellent job to help young people get on the employment ladder.”
E&S Services Director Simon Harrison said: “We got a flyer about the scheme and myself and Manager Blake Green had been looking for a new member of staff.
“Blake made contact with Andy and said that we were looking for someone who specifically had an electrical background.
“Kierren came to us on a four-week work placement and he was taken on full-time on Tuesday March 16 and is doing really well.
“It will take him between six and eight months to learn all the skills, at the moment he is learning how to fix two specific machines carrying out electrical testing of components.
“We would use Rossendale Youth Works again when we are looking for future employees.”
Fran Starkie, DWP Partnership Manager – Cumbria and Lancashire Work and Health Services, said: “Initiatives such as Kickstart, and for DWP to be able to fund organisations such as Rossendale Youth Works show that we are delivering on the government’s commitment to support young people during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
“The fact that we can help the young people of Rossendale, at the start of their careers – as well as long-term unemployed customers – into employment during times of economic uncertainty proves that jobs and opportunities are out there, and that partnership work has never been stronger in the DWP.”
Active Lancashire Relationship Manager Sarah Dunne said: “Andy has been an excellent mentor for young people referred into the Youth Works project.
“He has been able to utilise the great links with local employers to provide much needed employment opportunities and work experience.”
Photo caption:From left Rossendale Youth Works Project Officer Andy Clark, Kierren Cramp, Director Simon Harrison, Manager Blake Green and Leader of Rossendale Borough Council Councillor Alyson Barnes.