Jobs scheme signs up 100th member

A NATIONAL scheme to help more people find employment has signed up its 100th job seeker.

The Future Jobs Fund started in January and will eventually see up to 500 opportunities created for Oldhamers who are looking for work.

Francis Holdsworth (18), from Chadderton, is now working for Street Scene and is the 100th person to be helped by the scheme.

Jobs have been created in all areas of council business including Streetscene, parks and open spaces, the youth service, highways, children’s centres and also with the council’s partner organisations such as First Choice Homes, Oldham Community Leisure, Great Places and Housing 21.

Placements last for six months during which time successful applicants will be fully integrated into the existing council workforce and have the opportunity to learn new skills and achieve additional qualifications as well as up-to-date on-the-job training.

At the end of the placement they will have a full record of what they have achieved to add to their CV and boost their future job prospects.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, Cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “This is an excellent scheme that will help a large number of local people who are struggling to get the experience they need to move forward in the job market.

“This will give local people at least six months of valuable work experience in one of the many areas of council business.

“To have signed up the 100th person so soon after the future jobs fund has been launched is good news for everyone — the young people being employed, the council and our citizens who benefit from improvements to the service they receive.”