10 December 2009
Jersey’s young people and businesses are benefiting from the new Advance to Work (ATW) scheme, which was launched in September to help unemployed teenagers through the economic downturn. ATW, which has been funded with Fiscal Stimulus money, provides unpaid work experience together with extra training to help people enter the job market.
One unemployed school leaver has found full-time work after taking part, and her new employer is predicting increased profits as a result of hiring her. Jessica Norris, a former Hautlieu A-level student, was placed at Omega Financial Services in October and has been offered a full-time paid post as an office administrator starting in January at the end of her placement.
“Nobody wanted to employ me because I didn’t have office skills but Advance to Work helped me a lot. I’m at Highlands about one and a half days a week and the rest of the time I’m in the office. It’s given me confidence and I’ve learnt a lot in a short time. It’s been really enjoyable,” said Jessica.
Her arrival has enabled Omega’s managing director, Kevin Allenby, to restructure staff roles, freeing up the office manager to take on different duties.
“It’s been a double benefit really. It’s worked for Jessica because she has a job and it’s worked for us because we’re possibly going to be more profitable as a result of having her. In these bad times I probably wouldn’t have considered taking on an extra member of staff but because of Advance to Work there was no risk to me or the company so I was prepared to keep an open mind. It turns out Jessica fits in very, very well,” said Mr Allenby.
ATW provides young people with a range of training opportunities. This includes day release courses at Highlands as well as courses offered by private training providers, Careers Jersey and ATW Mentors.
Treasury Minister Senator Philip Ozouf is pleased with the progress so far: “This is exactly the kind of outcome we were hoping to achieve with the fiscal stimulus because if businesses can prosper through this difficult period it will be good for their staff and the Island as a whole. I hope there are many more success stories like this one.”
Ashley Bell was placed at Bedell group, where she has been working as a billing assistant in the accounts department. She had been looking for work since she left Highlands in June 2009 with a BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners.
“I tried looking for a full time job through recruitment agencies without any luck. The Advance to Work Scheme has benefited me by giving me experience in an industry which I couldn't have got on my own. I would advise other 16-19 year olds looking for work to join the scheme because it isn’t easy to get a full time job, especially if you haven't got experience,” she said. Ashley is now applying for a permanent job with the company, which has been an enthusiastic participant in ATW.
“At Bedell Group we place great emphasis on the people in our business. We are keen to support the local community and the Advance to Work Scheme is helping us to do this by equipping young people with valuable experience which will enhance their chances of securing permanent employment in this difficult employment market,” said Bedell Group HR Manager, Emma Pugsley.
Former student Helen Nicol had an ATW placement as a trainee mechanic at Jersey Post. As part of the scheme she joined day release mechanics training and other courses at Highlands. As a result, she successfully applied for paid employment at GLF Motors and is continuing with her day release training.
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