Career Gear scheme is tailored to jobseekers' needs

JOB hunters in the borough will be dressed to impress under a new scheme run by Asda and Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council.

The superstore is making smart clothing available to people being interviewed by companies due to move into new premises in the borough’s Economic Development Zone, along the M53 corridor.

Residents of Wolverham and Stanlow, Westminster, Central and Grange wards qualify for the Career Gear scheme and will be able to choose from a range of clothes and sizes from Asda’s George label. 

EDZ Employment Coordinator Michelle Hope said: "The scheme is an important part of our employment support package to help individuals present themselves in the best possible light to employers when attending interviews. 

“We want local people to be able to take up local jobs and not be at a disadvantage just because they don’t have the money to buy suitable clothes. 

“Employers often tell us that presentation really is important in this type of situation; they like to see that candidates have pulled out all the stops and made an effort to impress - as they say you never get a second chance to make a good first impression,” Michelle added.

Anne Pryor of Asda said: “We take a keen interest in supporting our local community and this scheme just seemed like the ideal opportunity to put something back.

“As a major employer in the Ellesmere Port area we really appreciate when job applicants are well turned-out for interviews, and we understand what a difference it can make to a family when people are able to move forward into employment.” 

If you think you may be eligible and want to know more about the scheme then please call Kellie or Michelle on 0151 356 6637/6350. 

Career Gear is one of a number of projects within the EDZ Employment Support Project part-financed by European Regional Development Fund and Northwest Regional Development Agency funding.

Ends

Press release issued: January 31 2007