A new social enterprise initiative providing new ways of getting the unemployed back to work for the long term is being supported by specialist partner Jigsaw Training.
The Routes to Employment programme, being run by industry skills body Asset Skills is asking employers to get in touch to benefit from grant-funded employment costs.
Jigsaw Training is delivering employability training specifically aimed at the facilities management, cleaning, housing, property and parking industries following research which shows a lack of management and leadership skills in these sectors.
The project will deliver training to more than 300 unemployed and ex-offenders over the next two years, equipping candidates with the skills and knowledge to take forward to potential employers.
James Blackhurst, managing director of Jigsaw Training, said: “We are working with Asset Skills to the benefit of both those unemployed and the employers who want help in finding relevant people with the skills they need who are ready for work.
“Employers will also be able to reduce their employment costs because this is part-funded by the government so they should act now and register their interest.”
Sarah Bentley, Chief Executive of Asset Skills, said: “We would like to hear from employers who have vacancies to offer job-ready candidates who have been specifically trained for employment within their industry.
“This programme will not only benefit unemployed people, it’ll also prove a big plus to employers who will take on skilled, trained candidates who are eager to work.”
The project’s objective is to better prepare those who have been unemployed to find and stay in work in the longer term. The programme is funded through the Employer Investment Fund, administered by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills.
