MORE than 300 local people who were previously long-term unemployed have found a job through the government’s Steps 2 Success programme.
Steps 2 Success, which launched in 2014, is delivered in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Kilkeel and Newcastle by South Eastern Regional College (SERC) as a partner of Reed in Partnership.
The programme supports local jobseekers to help find and sustain long-term employment by providing training and employment opportunities to give them the best chance of getting there.
The programme has helped people successfully secure jobs at companies such as McDonald’s, Nitronica, Slieve Donard, Finnebrogue, Doma NI and Kilkeel Seafoods, and has also helped support members to set up their own businesses.
Steps 2 Success participant Karl McSherry-McIlhone from Downpatrick, who secured a full-time job with McDonald’s, said: “The programme has changed my life. I now have a job and am off benefits. I have my driving licence, have bought a car and I’m looking forward to a bright future.”
Elaine Flynn, SERC’s Steps 2 Success Programme Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud of our record of helping local people to get a foot on the career ladder.
“With our help, 300 more people are looking forward to a positive future where they can support themselves and their families.
“The programme has really changed lives and strengthened the local community, and we are delighted to be working with local employers to continue to reach those furthest from the job market.”
The Steps 2 Success programme offers participants one-to-one mentoring, employability skills training, CV writing techniques and interview preparation to help them gain a range of transferrable skills to enhance employability.
SERC Principal and Chief Executive Ken Webb said: “This is just one example of how people can embrace what the Steps 2 Success programme has to offer and directly benefit from it, and how businesses can access motivated individuals who have a desire to become excellent employees.
“I would like to commend local employers for offering employment to individuals participating in this programme. Employers play a vital role for those seeking to enhance their employability, breaking the cycle of ‘no experience — no job, no job — no experience’.”