The Black Country Impact has forged close links with more than 100 businesses or training providers and as result is helping thousands of people to work towards their goals of employment or gaining lifelong skills and trades.
The service offers help in securing training or a job for those 16 to 29-year-olds who are currently not in employment, education or training. Support includes supplying equipment, as well as providing free clothing, travel, and childcare depending on the needs of the individual.
The support provided by the services is bespoke to the individual and as such can boast successes in overcoming barriers which have been faced by not only young adults but also those with disabilities, ex-offenders and the homeless.
Through specialised services ranging from coaching to managed work placements, the work of Black Country Impact ultimately gives young adults the best employability prospects for the future.
Harry gained his ‘dream job’ with the help of Black Country Impact. Harry explains:
“The Black Country Impact project has helped me immensely, not only has it helped me to get my dream job, it did so in a very short space of time, and as I was unemployed beforehand this couldn’t have been better for me. The person who helped me was very understanding and seemed to genuinely want to help me. He worked around my schedule and was very helpful before and after my interview.
“I am relieved to finally have a job and am amazed, euphoric and incredibly grateful that it is a job at Dudley Zoo, a place where I have always wanted to work! I feel the support from the project as a whole really helped me toward getting my interview and in turn getting this job. Support included help with my CV and cover letter, which in turn calmed me down for the interview in general. I am incredibly grateful to the Black Country Impact project for helping me.”
Black Country Impact is helping people overcome barriers to employment
The service is in a unique position to have a wide range of influence with local employers across the Black Country.
The service is able to help businesses find new talent through providing a bespoke and flexible recruitment service. This is further supported through professional advice and guidance, along with tailored help to meet the needs of the business. In short Black Country Impact helps local businesses recruit the people they need to succeed and grow.
“I moved back home from Durham and after two weeks of job searching I came across the Black Country Impact programme. After a short telephone screening I was invited to meet with a member of their employer engagement team who then arranged for me to interview with an employer. The following week I found myself back in employment! I am currently working over 16 hours and am back doing something that I love which is providing excellent customer service.”
Jenny, Sam’s manager and the business owner, said:
“Sam is just the right person for my business. I was so impressed by the Black Country Impact programme, who in such a short space of time introduced Sam to this post. The team dealt with shortlisting, first round interviews and supported us throughout the process. Sam has settled into the job instantly and is providing superb customer service”.
“The Black Country Impact has got the young person’s interest at its heart, encouraging young adults to embrace their interest and get a job out of it.”
“I am excited and relieved to be in my new position after being out of work since May of 2016 and excited to get my qualification and learn new things.”
“This worked as I now have a job as a receptionist putting my newly acquired skills to use.”
“Black Country Impact project has provided me with tools for my construction apprenticeship. I am happy with them as it has given me a good start and is helping me with my trade.”
“The Black Country Impact project has helped me immensely, not only has it helped me to get my dream job, it did so in a very short space of time.”
