Future Jobs Fund helps young unemployed to get work skills

Six months ago Hopwood Hall College took on their first Future Jobs Fund cohort; the programme was aimed at 16 to 24 year olds that had little or no employability skills.

Working at Hopwood Hall College they gained skills and experience in a wide range of roles and departments.

The six month work experience programme finished at the end of May 2010.

The Future Jobs Fund is a fund of around £1 billion to support the creation of jobs for long term unemployed young people and others who face significant disadvantage in the labour market.

It is aimed primarily at 18-24 year olds who have been out of work for a year.
The college’s HR Officer Samantha Williams was delighted with the contribution they made to the college

She said: “We want to say thank you to all of them for the work they have put in over the last 6 months and wish them very well in their hunt for new employment.”

Kirsty O’Neill, 19, who lives in Rochdale says, “I wasn’t confident when I first arrived and I wouldn’t even answer the telephone!

“Now I am more confident and aware of what I am doing in my job role.

“I have learnt a lot at Hopwood Hall College.”

Jason Davies, 20, from Oldham explains, “When I started my employment for Hopwood Hall, I came with little skills in administration and customer service.

“Very quickly I started to learn new skills and have been on various training programs.

“As a person I have come a long way and am now more focused in what career path I want to follow.”

“I am very grateful to all at Hopwood Hall College for making my placement very enjoyable and rewarding.”