New service aims to launch people into work

Published by Laura Beckett for Halton Housing Trust in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment

Halton Housing Trust has launched a programme to help its customers find work, training and volunteer opportunities in a bid to reduce unemployment in the borough.

As well as offering a job vacancy matching service, the Trust will help unemployed customers to find local, meaningful and relevant volunteering, apprenticeship and training opportunities.

The team, made up of Debbie Jameson and Michelle Phillips, can help with CV writing, filling in job applications and preparing for interviews. Small bursaries are also available to help buy suitable interview clothes and pay for travel costs.

Current figures show that 8% of working age people in Runcorn and Widnes are without a job. Sue Baxendale, Director of Human Resources at the Trust said: “As the largest social landlord in Halton, we want to make a difference to our customers’ lives. We’re also really keen to hear from employers in the borough if they can offer paid work, work placements, volunteering and apprenticeships, as we have a wide range of people on our books ready to start employment.”

As the majority of jobs are now advertised online, the team will also work with customers to improve their IT skills by helping them to set up email, search the internet and find the best internet and computer deals by linking up to any funding.

Halton Housing Trust is committed to helping local people improve their life and wealth chances. We currently employ ten apprentices who work across a variety of different departments ranging from Construction Services through to Human Resources and Housing Services and provide paid internships via the Career Academy, where young people experience work in a number of different areas.

Two local people are soon to start an eight week work experience programme within our in-house Grounds Maintenance team, where they will learn all about landscape gardening and maintenance.

If you are a business looking to recruit new staff, or a customer looking for a job, please contact Debbie Jameson on 0151 510 5184 or Michelle Phillips on 0151 510 5184 for further information.