485 unemployed are ‘Up for Work’ with Network Personnel
September 17, 2013
More than 91 unemployed individuals have found work through the Up for Work Programme to date with a further 250 expected to benefit from it over the next two years. Network Personnel has marked the achievements of all those who have participated in the Up for Work programme at a celebratory event in Draperstown. The ‘Up for Work’ project, which started in 2011 and runs until 2015, is an employability programme for the long term employed in the Magherafelt and Cookstown areas.
Programme Manager, Ann McBride, said “This event marks the achievement of all those involved in the Up for Work programme, the participants, businesses and community organisations. The success of the project has been down to the combined commitment of all involved.
For those who have found themselves in long-term unemployment, to be able to gain new skills in a different industry or get 26 weeks work experience with a local firm is extremely important. This has led to opportunities arising that they previously would not have thought possible.”
Ms McBride continued “The teams we have working on community projects are providing benefit to many more people, particularly on the heritage focussed projects such as the restoration of the stones wall in Lissan House and the upgrading of the Plantin Park in Draperstown. In addition, our horticulture skills programme is providing qualifications for those interested in outdoor work including those made redundant from the construction industry.
Our participants are gaining qualification in a wide range of new areas, including computing, essential skills and Environmental Conservation, all of which are increasing their employability.
We would like to thank all our partners, local businesses, community groups, and especially our funders namely the European Social Fund and Department for Employment and Learning; Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership via the Heritage Lottery Fund; Magherafelt District Council; Mindwise and Lissan House Trust.”
Click on the link below to find out about the ‘Up for Work’ story’
https://theworkspacegroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Onwards-Upwards-Ann.pdf
Brian Murray Chief Executive, The Workspace Group, Ann McBride Programme Manager, John Noble Head of European Social Fund Managing Authority
