Employability, the North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus scheme launched at the peak of the economic downturn to give employment experience to some of the most disadvantaged in North East Lincolnshire, is going from strength to strength.

The Employability scheme provides work placements for people who are unemployed and disadvantaged in the labour market. With up to 26 weeks experience in one of a variety of departments within the Care Trust Plus they are supported to gain the skills and confidence to seek permanent employment.   

Employability has formed a successful partnership with Open Door, the drop-in service for hard to reach people and those not registered with a GP within the East Marsh area. Through work placements at open door, six people have gained employment, one of these at Open Door.   

Rob Baty, social care manager for Open Door said:

“It has been a pleasure to work with Employability using Open Door as a route to support unemployed people back into employment. 

“Sometimes unemployed people don’t get the opportunity to enter the working environment through traditional recruitment methods, so schemes like Employability are extremely valuable and important.”  

Sharon Stead, Employability coordinator for the Care Trust Plus said:

“We are thrilled at how many people we have been able to help into employment since we first began the scheme in September 2008.Working with Open Door has been a huge success and we hope to place more individuals with them in future.  

“All those taking up placement opportunities, no matter where they might be, are given the help and support they need to achieve their learning objectives. While on placement participants can also work towards qualifications such as NVQ level 2 and other courses that are relevant and tailored to the individual’s needs.” 

So far the scheme as a whole has been extremely success with 47 individuals being referred and 31 people going on to paid employment. 

For further information please contact Sharon Stead, Employability Coordinator, 01472 625634 or visit our website at www.nelctp.nhs.uk/employability