Job Box supports over 1,000 residents during the pandemic
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Job Box service has now provided support to 1,000 residents since July.
Job Box is a free service which supports residents of all ages to find work. This could be someone who has recently been made redundant and is new to the jobs market perhaps after a number of years, or a young person coming out of education who is looking for their first job.
One of the ways Job Box has provided support is through the Job Match service. Job Match works directly with businesses; connecting them to other businesses who may be losing staff as well as finding new recruits, connecting residents with job and training opportunities and also signposting help and support for companies and staff dealing with redundancy as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Residents have also been supported with putting together their CV’s, practicing for interviews and by getting access to funding for learning and courses.
Lewis is one of the young people who Job Box supported this year to find a full time job as a carer for a local company after his job search was made even more difficult through the pandemic.
Lewis said: “When I first started working with Job Box I was unsure whether I wanted to go back into education or find full time work. I met with my career advisor a number of times and received lots of personal advice - even throughout the pandemic I received interview coaching over the phone.
“In the end I decided I wanted a full time job. I’d previously been a carer for a family member so I decided I wanted to put to use my existing skills.
“My confidence has grown considerably and Job Box really made me think about what my long term goals are and how I can get there.
“I am proud to be working within a sector which has been so hard hit throughout the coronavirus.
“I’d definitely recommend getting in touch with Job Box if you need help finding work. At the time I didn’t even know what role I wanted but the support I gained has been invaluable.”
Throughout the second lockdown period Job Box has hosted weekly Facebook live events to promote local job vacancies and giving out tips for finding a work in the current situation.
From 2 December Job Box will also continue with their Pop Up events where members of the team will be visiting local communities to offer support. See dates and venues online at www.telfordjobbox.co.uk/events
Councillor David Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, and Transport & Infrastructure said: “The Council’s vision to protect, care and invest includes supporting our communities and residents most in need and right now we want to ensure our residents are getting the support they need now more than ever.
“If someone finds themselves in a difficult situation because their job is at risk I would urge them to get in touch with Job Box to see what support is available.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education and Lifelong Learning said: “The Council is investing around £500,000 this year into delivering Job Box. This investment increased early in the year from £340,000 as the Council aimed to support as many people as possible who have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.”
Residents looking for support in finding a new job should visit www.telfordjobbox.co.uk and get in touch.
