The Wolverhampton headquartered business, which now employs 200 people, signed up to the scheme in 2012 after being approached to take part by local MP Pat McFadden. He launched the programme to tackle the rising level of youth unemployment in the city which, at the time, was within the top 20 constituencies for unemployment in the UK.
The voluntary scheme sees local employers offer work placements of at least six-weeks to unemployed people aged between 18 and 24, to develop their skill sets and increase their chances of gaining a full time job in the future.
With support from commercial manager Rachel Jones, the Angel Springs work experience candidates undertake a comprehensive training programme, which provides them with an understanding of a variety of job roles, including customer service, finance and administration.
Following their work experience at Angel Springs, 25 candidates have been offered permanent jobs. The creation of these employment opportunities has enabled Angel Springs to make substantial savings on recruitment and advertising costs, whilst taking on valuable staff who have already developed vital skills and an in-depth knowledge of the business having undertaken the training programme.
23-year-old Jade McGrath joined the scheme after feeling uninspired by her hairdressing apprenticeship. Worried that she lacked the qualifications to enter professional work, she signed up to her local job centre, which told her about the opportunities available at Angel Springs through the Wolverhampton Work Experience Programme.
Jade was given extensive training in how to build and develop strong communication skills to help her to become a successful sales professional. Upon completion of the programme, Jade was offered a permanent sales role at Angel Springs, following which she was promoted in just six months.
In order to further invest in its staff, Angel Springs has also launched its ‘Futures Programme’, a bespoke training scheme to identify and support the business’ future management team, onto which 10 successful applicants are enrolled each year. The initiative offers dedicated mentoring support across a number of areas, including motivation and problem solving techniques, and the trainees work on a number of projects throughout the 12-month scheme.
The programme’s latest graduating class introduced the first automated payment system into the business and redesigned the computer system screens, enabling the business to operate more efficiently.
Rachel Jones, commercial manager at Angel Springs, said: “The Wolverhampton Work Experience Programme is a fantastic way to get young people back into the work place. At Angel Springs, we’ve seen significant success through the scheme since we signed up two years ago, and Jade is a great example of the skilled and efficient people who have joined Angel Springs as a result of the programme.
“The business has grown considerably in recent years, and it’s extremely important for us to be able to implement a strong workforce to help manage our new orders and drive sales. Our people are our most important investment and we are constantly looking for ways to help our staff develop the necessary skill sets to reach their full potential within the business, which is why we launched our Futures Programme.”
Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: “I launched the Wolverhampton Work Experience Programme as I had become increasingly concerned about the level of youth unemployment in my constituency, and the success of the scheme so far has proven that there are things that we can do to give young people a chance and the opportunity to learn new work skills that can benefit them in the future.
“Angel Springs playing a valuable role in giving young people in Wolverhampton experience of the world of work, and the permanent roles that have resulted from the placements are further testament to the value of the scheme and all it has to offer.”
Source: Angel Springs
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