Future Jobs Fund Placement
Together for Regeneration employs eight members of staff and has its head office in Rotherham. Part of TfR’s services to VCF groups includes the encouragement of workforce development and the promotion of volunteers. When the Future Jobs Fund was announced in 2009, Together for Regeneration was keen to respond to this Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)-led initiative. The fund partly targeted 18–24 year olds who had been out of work for 6 months and were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and was managed by Phoenix Enterprises in Rotherham, in partnership with RMBC.
Jason Smedley joined TfR as an administrative assistant in January 2010. He had been unemployed for twelve months following redundancy. He immediately started to contribute to and support the team’s work, by creating a new ‘non-client’ database for TfR, helping with general office duties, taking notes at team meetings, ordering from and negotiating with suppliers and answering phone calls. As part of the placement Jason also attended a variety of training courses. Through close supervision, Jason’s line manager at TfR ensured that he focused on expanding the skills he needed to strengthen his future work prospects; at the end of his post TfR wanted to make sure that Jason had developed himself as much as possible and that he had gained the confidence to re-enter the job market with positive aspirations.
“I’m very grateful for TfR helping me to get back in to employment. I had fantastic support from TfR staff – guidance when I needed it but also a good level of independence for the tasks I had to complete”.
Jason Smedley, TfR Future Jobs Fund worker
During his placement Jason also spent time doing tasks for staff throughout the Diocese of Sheffield; towards the end of his post with TfR he was offered three months full-time employment with the Diocese as a data handling assistant.
“It has been very rewarding to know that we have helped a local person find employment. The work that Jason has done has made a real difference to the team and we have really seen his self-belief develop and grow. I am delighted that he has been offered a contract with the Diocese; the placement has certainly opened doors to opportunity for Jason.”
Joanne Archer, TfR Director
“I was delighted to offer Jason a post with the Diocese. He has exceeded all expectations, is competent at tasks and is proving popular with visitors. If TfR hadn’t taken Jason on initially the Diocese would never have had the opportunity to employ him – we would certainly be at a loss.”
Christine Brocklebank, Diocese of Sheffield Administration Supervisor
As a result of Jason’s placement TfR has been asked to provide an additional 6 month post to another unemployed person from Rotherham under the Future Jobs Fund. The new worker will start with the team in early August and following the completion of this TfR will be keen to engage in any other future employment programmes that become available.