Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry congratulated STRIVE 2 Work graduates at a recent presentation ceremony in Derry.
STRIVE – Support and Training Results In Valuable Employees – is an employability programme aimed at engaging those hardest to reach and enables participants to develop their interpersonal, confidence and soft skills by completing a four week intensive employer-led workshop.
Congratulating participants who have graduated from the programme, Minister Farry said: “STRIVE 2 Work is a prime example of strong co-operation between the business sector and government bringing real benefits to young people. The North West Employers’ Forum and Business in the Community are to be congratulated for their input towards making STRIVE 2 Work the success it is.
“The Strive 2 Work programme is delivered through Steps to Work and has led to 85 local people finding employment and 125 people obtaining an employment related qualification. Participants gain an OCN Level 2 in Employability certificate, ensuring they have a CV, interview skills and the essential tools required when applying for a job. On completion of the workshop, participants will be guaranteed an interview for a job.”
The Minister continued: “I encourage employers across all sectors – private, public, community and voluntary – to become actively involved in programmes such as STRIVE, Steps to Work and the new Youth Employment Scheme (YES). This last Scheme provides a package of new measures which will help young people gain experience, acquire new skills and find employment. For employers an Enhanced Employer Subsidy is available where employers offering permanent full-time jobs to young people in jobs growth areas may be able to avail of up to £5,750 a year, provided they allow the young person to continue with their skills development.”
Strive 2 Work graduate, Victoria Cloete said: “Before STRIVE I had been unemployed for 11 years. During my four weeks on the programme I learnt a lot about myself and about what employers were looking for in interviews. My confidence soared and I learnt how to carry myself in interviews. As a result, I gained employment in the City Hotel, Derry, as a housekeeper. My life has changed as a result of the training I received at STRIVE and from gaining full time employment.”
For further information on DEL initiatives, log onto http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/jobseekers-programmes.