Second Rossendale pre-employment training scheme hailed a success

The second work-based training collaboration between Rossendale Works, Lancashire Adult Learning and numerous local businesses has been hailed a success by all those involved.

Rossendale Works – an employability programme run in partnership by Rossendale Council, Active Lancashire and the DWP – this time teamed up with Rawtenstall based We Buy Books to offer the work-based training programme to help and encourage candidates into employment, with support from Lancashire Adult Learning.

The five day pre-employment training scheme, which also saw involvement from other local businesses, Saville Whittle, Interfloor and BT, was again able to offer employment to a number of the attendees at the end of the programme.

The scheme offered an opportunity for people in Rossendale to get experience and training, and gain a qualification, before the prospect of potential job opportunities at the end of the programme. Candidates were able to experience first-hand the type of work that might be undertaken when in employment, as well as achieving;

· Planning for Personal Success

· Preparing for an Interview

· Undertaking an Interview

· Health and Safety in the Workplace

· Producing a Tailored CV

Learners also took part in mock interviews ahead of interviews with the companies involved on the final day.

Reece Allan, one of the seven candidates on the programme, said: “This was a good experience and really useful. I learnt a lot and it gave us all the opportunity to experience what the work would be like. The mock interview session was really helpful. The fact I got a job offer at the end was just great.”

Active Lancashire’s Cliff Adamson, an Employment Officer for Rossendale Works, said: “Active Lancashire are extremely happy with the way things have gone. We have two candidates now in full time employment with a further two awaiting second interviews.

“Without these types of partnerships with local business the course would not be available for local residents to gain these opportunities.

“After two very successful programmes we will be looking to continue delivering this type of course and Active Lancashire are already working alongside partners to secure the next programme.”

Council Leader Alyson Barnes said: “The work that the Rossendale Works team have done to ensure the success of this second programme involving more businesses and candidates was fantastic and a testament to what can be achieved when private and public sectors work together.

“It’s great to see that more residents are now in employment as a direct result of this programme. We want to see more of these initiatives in the future to help secure employment for the people of Rossendale.”

Mike Lane, Managing Director at We Buy Books, said: ” Recruitment is an issue for many businesses at the moment and initiatives like this are valuable for all involved.

“It’s like a try before you buy and demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses engage and work together with the local council and other stakeholders.

“I would encourage other businesses to explore programmes like this. What have you got to lose?”