Providing local people with access to jobs or jobs with better pay and prospects is fundamental to raising the economic profile of the area.
Training
The planned housing and commercial developments will certainly bring a welcome number of local jobs in construction, retail and other services, but long-term, the key is seen as continued investment in education, training and advice.
To this end, the development of Step Ahead and the Learning Coordinator role, with its coordinated and community-focussed approach, is providing a major boost.
Job seeking
Residents can now access advice and services regarding job searching at a number of venues delivered by a range of agencies. The ‘Job Window’ located in the Hattersley Neighbourhood Partnership offices at the District Centre is proving a hit with local people.
Strategically, the Jobs, Training and Enterprise Group are linked in to initiatives at regional and local authority level in order to provide access to job opportunities outside of the immediate area.
Help and support
Issues such as ‘in-work-benefits’, health or domestic barriers can also be tackled on a confidential one-to-one basis, with appropriate agencies and advisers drafted in as required.
