18 November 2010
More than a hundred 16-19 year olds in Jersey have found paid employment through the government funded Advance to Work scheme (ATW) which is run by the Education, Sport and Culture Department.
Since it began, ATW has secured paid employment for 105 trainees and a further 130 young people are currently registered. The focus is on developing skills and experience, but mentors also provide ongoing support to help young people make the transition into paid employment.
The scheme, which is a voluntary scheme, was set up in September 2009 as part of the States’ fiscal stimulus package to help young people finding it hard to get a job during the economic downturn. When they apply, young people are given the support of a personal mentor who will arrange an unpaid work placement in an area of their choice. This is provided alongside job-specific and personal development training.
Codie is one of the most recent trainees to gain paid work with the employer where she did her original Advance to Work placement. She joined the scheme after more than 12 months of unsuccessful job seeking and expressed an interest in working with animals, particularly horses. After taking part in core training at the start of the scheme, her mentor arranged a placement as a trainee groom at a private livery stable with employer Lorraine Allan. Following 2 months of work experience, Lorraine has now offered Codie a permanent paid position in her ideal job.
Codie said "I wouldn't have got this job without the scheme, it's been really helpful. I wouldn’t have known about any of the courses or attained certificates, such as first aid, if it wasn't for the training I received."
Lorraine is also pleased with the way the scheme is working. She has taken on 3 Advance to Work trainees on work placement and says “Advance to Work is really helpful because it gives young people the chance to try a job before committing to a permanent role in that area. From an employer’s point of view it also gives them the chance to try out the trainee, see how they fit into the team and if they are able to do the job. It works well for both parties and I look forward to continuing to support the scheme.”
Advance to Work is always interested to hear from young people and employers who would like to participate in the scheme. For further information please call the Advance to Work office on +44 (0) 1534 449256.
gov.je