Companies are being urged to avail of the opportunities associated with the Bridge to Employment Programme.
The initiative delivered by the Department of Employment and Learning assists unemployed people back into work while meeting the specific recruitment needs of businesses with individually tailored training packages.
Commenting on the programme Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry said: “Bridge to Employment is a flexible solution for employers as it provides an agreed, bespoke training and recruitment package to get new recruits job ready from day one of their employment.”
His comments came after a visit to the premises of Homeloan Management Limited (HML) in Londonderry to see first hand how the Department’s programme has assisted the company train and recruit its latest intake of Credit Management consultants.
“In practical terms for HML, it has assisted them to respond to new business opportunities in the financial industry and meet staff needs to service new contracts.”
He continued: “The training, which is funded by the Department for Employment and Learning’s Skills Solutions Service, has been established for over 10 years and it has been used by companies in a wide range of sectors to recruit and train new staff at all levels.”
Speaking on the benefits of the initiative HML Training and Competence Manager, Hank Henry said:
“A big advantage of HML getting involved with Bridge to Employment is that we can let potential employees see what we do, and the initial learning helps reduce the time they spend in training once they join us. This allows them to put their new skills into practice sooner and enables HML to see if the candidates are right for the role, rather than waiting until they are in the job. We are delighted to be involved with the initiative, as it provides people with a route into the financial industry that they might not otherwise get the chance to experience. It also gives them an opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence in the process.”
Meanwhile, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has praised the contribution that Employers for Childcare (EFC) make to the social economy sector in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the EFC annual conference she said:
“Employers for Childcare aim to make it easier for parents to get into work and, crucially, stay in work. They provide free, impartial and confidential advice to families about childcare, family benefits and employment rights.”
The EFC aims to help parents with dependent children find and stay in employment. Offering a childcare voucher scheme delivered through the workplace and an initiative that provides childcare in family homes it seeks to offer affordable and appropriate childcare.
The minister continued:
“Increasing the availability of and accessibility to childcare provision will allow more parents to work, train or learn, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the local economy.”
“Harnessing the economic potential of women is a key source of economic growth and providing quality, affordable childcare has an important part to play in this process.”