Type=image;ImageID=16078;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Three successful Impact participants;TitleClass=strong;
The Black Country Impact project - which is funded by the Youth Employment Initiative, European Social Fund, Big Lottery Fund and the four Black Country councils - aims to support young adults not in employment, education or training (NEETs) break down the barriers that may be holding them back from finding work, improving skills or gaining qualifications.
It provides a tailored approach, designed to help the young adult build a future in a way that suits their specific circumstances.
Project participants Grace Odesanya, aged 29, Pele Harvey, 21, and Sofia Filipe, 23, have been successful in gaining employment with City of Wolverhampton.
All 3 received 1:1 customised support from their Impact key workers Stephanie Dean, Sunil Toor and Marcia Harvey, getting access to information, advice, guidance, and intensive employability support to increase their confidence and self esteem and enable them to fulfil their full potential.
Through effective partnership working and strengthening links via the employer engagement officer - Julia Jackson Davies- Impact applicants were then shortlisted for possible job opportunities.
Grace landed a job in the licensing department, while Pele and Sofia have both been recruited by customer services.
Sofia said: "I would advise anyone to join this project, as the staff are very helpful, and they enabled me to get a job. I am very pleased."
Pele added: "Since starting on Impact in late Feb, I have gained employment and just started working as a customer service officer at Wolverhampton City Council. It's a temporary short - term contract but a great opportunity for me to work and gain experience"
Grace said: "I have secured a job with Wolverhampton City Council in the licencing department. My Keyworker has been very supportive and at short notice has arranged for me to have travel and a clothing allowance. This has been a great help because I have been unemployed for some time and would have found this difficult to afford the cost."
Councillor Lynne Moran, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Black Country Impact is determined to tackle the barriers that may be preventing some young adults from achieving what they are capable of.
"It is wonderful to see these 3 young ladies thriving after getting invaluable support and guidance through the programme.
"It provides specialist services, ranging from coaching to managed work placements, that ultimately give our young adults the best employability prospects for the future, benefiting them and our communities."
In the City of Wolverhampton Black Country Impact has engaged with 1,557 participants since its launch in August 2016. Almost 600 have gained a qualification, or employment upon leaving the programme.
To find out more about how Impact can help you contact City of Wolverhampton Council's Impact team on 01902 554031, email impact@wolverhampton.gov.uk or visit Type=links;Linkid=10859;Title=WorkBox - iMPACT;Target=_blank;.
Type=image;ImageID=16079;ImageClass=;ImageTitle=This project is receiving up to £34 million of funding made up of £17 million European Social Fund and £17 million Youth Employment Initiative, plus match funding of up to £8m from the Big Lottery Fund and funding from partners;TitleClass=strong;
- released: Tuesday 7 August, 2018