Eleven local unemployed individuals have celebrated their graduation from the Creating Careers in Cumbria programme at the Civic Hall in Whitehaven. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure funds and runs the seven week employability development programme with support from Copeland Borough Council, Sellafield Ltd Gen2, Lakes College, Inspira, Jobcentre plus. The programme, which is accredited by the Engineering Development Trust aims to give long term unemployed people in Copeland and Allerdale a route back into work.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the candidates’ achievements during the programme. Throughout the seven weeks the candidates completed successful leadership and development training at The Outward Bound Trust in Eskdale. They received support and advice to develop their CV, practice interview techniques and undertook employability skills training. All areas which helped them to build their confidence before a three work experience placement within an organisation. The candidates undertook their work experience within a variety of companies including Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC), Copeland Borough Council, Wood Group, Balfour Beatty, Clearnorth Recruitment, Sellafield Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and the Infrastructure Strategic Alliance (ISA), (an alliance between Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Arup and Sellafield Ltd).
To date, over 70 per cent of candidates who have completed the programme have secured employment within the local area.
Eldon Garnett, engineering director for the Nuclear, Energy and Water team at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the candidates graduate from the Creating Careers in Cumbria programme. We are delighted to be able to help local people realise their potential and support them in being more confident about gaining employment. We would like to thank all of the organisations who support our programme – this level of collaboration is central to its success.”
Councillor David Moore, portfolio holder for nuclear and corporate services at Copeland Borough Council said: “Helping create a strong work and skills base in Copeland is one of the council’s central ambitions and this scheme directly supports that. We are proud to be a part of it and help unemployed people increase their skills and get into employment.”