A helping hand for the unemployed

Helping the long term unemployed in Gloucestershire to get jobs is a top priority for the Employment and Skills team, part of GFirst LEP. Working alongside government bodies, the team based in Twigworth have been offering specialist employment advice to help successfully support people that have faced issues such as redundancy or long term unemployment.

By liaising with local employers to offer work placements and trials in the county, local people have the chance to gain vital work experience needed to help secure a permanent position. A recent success is the story of Simon Brazil who had been unemployed for about five years and had wanted to pursue a career change within the motor industry.  By being offered a work placement opportunity at Motor World in Brockworth, Simon was able to gain essential experience to secure the offer of a permanent part-time position at as Sales Assistant at Motor World and has also started a part-time course to gain a qualification.

Simon Brazil, now Sales Assistant working part time at Motor World, Brockworth said: “I never thought I would have the chance to pursue my dream of working in the motor mechanic industry. The work placement opportunity at Motor World has made this come true and with the support from Ozzy, I am over whelmed with the result of receiving a job offer.

Extremely impressed with the work of the GFirst LEP team, Ozzy Dillon, the manager of Motor World, Brockworth, said: “As an employer, we wouldn’t normally recruit anyone without formal qualifications or relevant work experience. However, seeing a candidate’s potential first hand with this type of work placement has completely changed my view and approach. I’m delighted to welcome Simon on board as part of the team and I wish him every success.”

Jason Dunsford, Investment Manager, GFirst LEP said: “It can be very difficult for people that have faced long term unemployment to gain a foothold back into the job market due to a number of reasons and relevant work experience is so essential.  Working with local employers, we can help people to gain that vital work experience and offer individual advice and support to help rebuild crucial skills and confidence.”

If there are any employers across the county that would be able to offer work placements or work trials to help people like Simon get back into work, then we would love to hear from you.”

Please contact Diane Dyer at the GFirst LEP Employment and Skills team on 01452 733502 or email diane.dyer@gfirst.co.uk