Getting a Step Ahead
Jul 29, 2010Step Ahead was introduced by the Department for Employment & Learning in direct response to the economic downturn, giving the voluntary and community sector and social economy businesses an opportunity to help long-term unemployed people move back into work.
How can your organisation help?
Your organisation can provide practical work experience for someone who has been unemployed for over 30 months by offering them a fixed-term job opportunity which could in turn deliver much needed services to your local community.
There is a capacity for Step Ahead posts in various environments within voluntary or charitable organisations.
Funding?
A subsidy payment of £185 per week towards each employee’s wage is available.
Training?
Funding is provided to undertake a short course while on Step Ahead. This includes courses such as IT Skills and Basic Food Hygiene.
Client Testimony
David is employed as a Groundsperson in Pomeroy Plunketts GAC. Having been unemployed for a long period of time, David had become frustrated sitting at home and was keen to get back into work. He noticed the Step Ahead vacancy online and immediately made an appointment with a Step Ahead Advisor at his local Jobs & Benefits Office and applied for the post.
David has been in his role since April 2010 and is thoroughly enjoying his return to work. “The programme is very worthwhile. It’s great to get up and out to work again. It gives you a fantastic feeling of being useful after being unemployed. They are a really easy bunch of people to work with as instructions are given, there is plenty to do and I’m allowed to get on with it. I’m still looking for permanent employment while working at the Club and I’m finding it’s really just good for me all round.”
Pomeroy Club member, Gerry McKenna commented on the benefits of the programme to their organisation “When I first heard about this programme, to be honest I thought it was a bit cynical. But then I met David and I’ve seen the work he does and how hard he works and now I think completely differently about it. Here is a man who wants to work and does a great job but who cannot find work. We are the winners in this situation because we have a great person working for us and we receive a subsidy towards his wages. He’s doing a fantastic job. “
Step Ahead offers:
- 30 hours per week paid employment.
- An opportunity to undertake an accredited training course while in the job (receiving £100 bonus on achieving this qualification).
- Access to extra support to help them settle in and stay in the job.
- Access to a Job Coach who will offer assistance with active job search, development of a CV and job applications.
If you are an organisation in the Magherafelt or Cookstown District and operate within the community and voluntary sector and are in a position to facilitate a job opportunity, please contact Bronagh on 028 796 31032 or via email; Bronagh.duggan@networkpersonnel.org.uk.
Sage Level 1- Commencing September 2010
Jul 20, 2010
Are you interested in completing SAGE Level 1?
It is aimed at those seeking a first qualification in the practical use of SAGE (computerised accounts software applied to routine accounting tasks).
It is a 11 week course (one evening per week).
Contact us asap on 028 796 31032 to confirm your place.
The course commences September 2010 @ Network Personnel!
Employer page coming soon..
Jul 07, 2010
Full details on all programmes for employers on how Network Personnel can benefit your organisation.
New Contract Awarded
Dec 15, 2008Network Personnel has recently been awarded the Steps to Work Contract for the North West area.
This contract area includes Magherafelt, Cookstown, Limavady and Coleraine District Council areas.
This is a new government funded initiative aimed at helping adults back into employment.
This programme incorporates the same legislation as New Deal but is more flexible as it extends to people who do not receive any benefits and are economically inactive such as retired people and people who care for relatives.
Training Courses
Dec 15, 2008Network Personnel are currently taking names for a range of computer courses that are due to commence in the New Year.
Celebration of Achievement
Aug 13, 2008
Network Personnel held a Celebration of Achievement evening in Gardiners Restaurant, Magherafelt to mark the success of their Rural I.T. Project.
The project was part financed by the European Union through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) and provided computer courses to over 300 people living in a rural community.
Courses ranged from basis starter courses to exam based courses such as Sage and ECDL. Network Personnel continue to offer a wide range of computer courses and are currently taking names for September 2008.
If interested please contact 028 7963 1032 for details.