Unemployed people in the south west Birmningham area, and in particular ex-MG Rover workers who are still unemployed two years after the closure of the Longbridge Plant , were given the opportunity to try their hand at a range of different career options under a new ‘job taster’ initiative, Working for Jobs - Back to Work Support programme, run by West Midlands Learning and Skills Council in partnership with Jobcentre Plus.

Workshop participants were able to to try their hand at a range of in-demand skills including driving buses and lorries, rail maintenance, and operating heavy plant and machinery such as excavation and lifting equipment. Employers and specialist advisors from Bournville College and Jobcentre Plus were on hand to discuss career options and to signpost opportunities to secure relevant training and qualifications.

John Adams, Skills Development Manager for West Midlands Learning and Skills Council, spoke of the problems faced by unemployed people in identifying employment opportunities and training to re-enter the workplace.

He said: “That’s why we set up these job taster sessions. One of the barriers to re-entering employment is gaining relevant experience and, with it, the confidence that you can do the job. As part of the package, it was important that anyone who believed they had identified an opportunity to re-enter the workplace went away knowing how to access the relevant training and certification.”

 Richard Smith, Employer Engagement Manager from Jobcentre Plus said: “The sectors chosen have been identified as ones where there is real employment opportunities for people suitably qualified. Jobcentre Plus will be working closely with training providers and employers to maximise job opportunities following the work tasters and training programmes.”

Trainee Lee Clayton (pictured), of Selly Oak, Birmingham is a glazer by trade but has been unemployed for nearly six months. He said:  “I want to get back into work and I want to take every opportunity to explore other avenues after 20 years as a glazer,” said the 40-year-old. “The problem with a lot of plant and machine jobs is that you need safety certification before they’ll recruit you. But how do you get the qualification if you can’t get the experience? That’s why opportunities like this to try out skills like driving a forklift or passenger vehicles is such a good idea.”

The Working for Jobs sessions took place at two sites – Targeted Training Projects, Kingswinford, and the Corus Hotel, Hopwood, Birmingham.

Image: Trainee, Lee Clayton.

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