AN upskilling programme in east Belfast is helping change lives, according to its participants.
Local woman Heather Robinson recently took part in the Rapid Impact Programme developed jointly by GEMS NI and Penna Consulting and delivered through the Department for Employment and Learning’s Steps to Work programme.
Participants on the programme gain new skills, training and work experience opportunities and a guaranteed job interview at the end of their placement. The programme also aims to build the confidence and motivation of participants.
“The Rapid Impact course has literally changed my life. I have achieved confidence and experience, met new friends and gained a supportive network. It’s been the best 10 weeks of my life,” she said.
Visiting the scheme recently Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: “I commend the work carried out by GEMS NI and Penna Consulting in delivering this innovative initiative and helping people who are out of work improve their prospects of gaining and sustaining employment.
“Successful engagement with local employers to develop tailored provision within the programme, in line with both employers’ and participants’ needs, is a vital part of this process.
“Steps to Work helps address the very real difficulties faced by those who are out of work. It is initiatives such as Rapid that have contributed to the success of the Steps to Work programme.”
The 10-week programme consists of two weeks confidence and motivation training, including personal mentoring sessions with experienced career coaches, briefings from major employers and help with CV preparation, interview techniques and personal presentation. This is followed by an eight-week work experience placement.
Bryson FutureSkills is the lead contractor for Steps to Work in the Belfast area.
Liam McNeill from Bryson said: “Bryson FutureSkills have a long experience in working with GEMS NI and we are delighted to have been able to support them as our sub-contractor and their partner Penna to make Rapid available through Steps to Work. We look forward to seeing more customers benefiting from this exciting programme.”