Flagship employment programme launched to help people into work
Hackney Council has launched a new flagship employment programme, designed to unlock career opportunities for adults, as well as helping them gain valuable paid work experience and boost their skills and attributes to attract employers.
The Hackney 100 Skills+ programme will appoint 15 people with a connection to Hackney, who for three months will spend two days on paid work placements with a local employer, dedicate another two days to developing functional English and maths skills, and use one day to enhance their CV writing and interview techniques with expert guidance.
The scheme is advertised to people over the age of 25 who are struggling to find work, with a focus on finding those who have the drive and ambition to find a job without having been given the necessary opportunities to succeed.
Hackney 100 was launched as an initiative in 2017, with the goal of helping 100 unemployed residents secure jobs. It has since evolved into a more tailored program that provides personalised mentoring and support. Future plans include placements focusing on green industries and the construction sector for young people furthest from the job market.
Key drivers behind the initiative include responding to the challenge of supporting under-employed, unemployed and disadvantaged people in Hackney. Competitiveness in the job market also applies to pathways into work. The Council’s highly successful apprenticeship programme has over 20 applicants per post, with around 60% assessed as being not ready to start an apprenticeship. A lack of employability skills such as the ability to present confidently and professionally, engage appropriately with others or basic skills in English and Maths are all barriers the Hackney 100 Skills programme will seek to address.
Register your interest in applying for the Hackney 100 Skills+ programme here
At the last local elections, the Council committed to delivering employment support programmes for residents facing the greatest barriers to accessing jobs. It is vital that the Council continues to build on highly successful employment pathways programmes such as Hackney 100, which provides invaluable support and paid work experience opportunities.
By combining work placements with the right skills, advice, and training, those looking for employment will be able to access good quality jobs, regardless of their background.
I look forward with anticipation to see them flourish and wish them all the very best of luck over the three months of their programmes.
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities