30.09.08
Getting people back into work in Cornwall - Working Links initiative proves a success
Working Links' Cornwall branch has joined a nationwide celebration to mark getting 100,000 people into employment in the last eight years.
Cornwall's branch of this unique organisation, which helps disadvantaged communities, was responsible for helping 162 of that total – more than twice as many as hoped - despite the fact it became involved just three years ago.
The branch was also tasked with organising training in both basic and vocational skills for 105 people. Again, far exceeding expectation, Working Links in Cornwall encouraged 274 people into training, almost three times the target.
Regional Director of Working Links, Frances Brennan, hosted a special lunch to thank representatives from all the associated organisations that have helped achieve these outstanding results.
Represented at the event were: Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Jobcentre Plus, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Citizens Advice Bureau, Cornwall County Council, South West Regional Development Agency and Common Purpose.
"It's superb to have achieved so much," said Frances Brennan. "I want to thank all of you for your part in this because it is by working together that we have far exceeded our targets and success like this puts Cornwall on the map!"
The LSC, as part of its European Social Fund (ESF) programme, was responsible for investment in the basic skills and vocational training that played a key part in the success of the Working Links initiative. In Cornwall this was supported by Objective One ESF investment.
LSC Skills Development Director – ESF for the South West Region, Mark Williams, said getting people trained and back into work was essential to Cornwall's success.
He said: "It's all about working with the most challenging groups to inspire individuals and enable them to make that step back into the workforce and so help enhance the economic potential of Cornwall through a well-skilled and adaptable workforce."
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership Office, said: "I would like to congratulate all the partners who have contributed to this success. People are the engine of our economy and society and helping just one person into gainful employment is success enough."
Frances Brennan explained that in Cornwall Working Links was contracted to run the Warbarth Programme with Devon and Cornwall Probation Service finding employment for one of the most challenging groups – ex-offenders.
Working Links in Cornwall has won two awards for the success of delivering the Warbarth Programme; one from the Howard League for Penal Reform and another from the National Criminal Justice Act.
For further information please contact Sue Bradbury PR on telephone: 01872 863863.
The LSC, as part of its European Social Fund (ESF) programme, was responsible for investment in the basic skills and vocational training that played a key part in the success of the Working Links initiative. In Cornwall this was supported by Objective One ESF investment.
Editor's notes:
In 2007-2013, the European Social Fund will invest £2 billion in England and Gibraltar, which will be matched to £2 billion of national funding. The new European Social Fund programme will support two key priorities:
| 1. |
extending employment opportunities to people who are unemployed or at a disadvantage in the labour market, including disabled people, lone parents, older workers, ethnic minorities, low skilled people, and young people not in education, employment or training; and |
| 2. |
developing a skilled and adaptable workforce, with a particular focus on employees who lack basic skills and good qualifications. |
The new projects are the first to start under the 2007-2013 England and Gibraltar ESF Programme, following the launch of tendering rounds in autumn 2007. The tendering rounds were organised by DWP, the Learning and Skills Council and other ESF Co-financing organisations.
Learning and Skills Council
The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. We are responsible for ensuring the availability of high-quality education and training for everyone. We have a single goal: to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to world class standards. Our vision is that young people and adults in England have knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce. We work nationally, regionally and locally to deliver this ambition on behalf of learners and employers. For more information visit: www.lsc.gov.uk/southwest
Working Links
Working Links was set up in April 2000 to deliver a range of Government contracts to help Britain's most disadvantaged communities.
Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
The Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439
cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk
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