A new initiative at the University of Sheffield which helps jobseekers in the local community to gain valuable work experience has proved a huge success, and plans are already underway to continue the scheme for a second year. The first Work Placement Scheme gave six local people the opportunity to undertake placements in departments across the University, giving them the relevant skills and confidence to get back into the workplace.
Coordinated by the Universityís Department of Human Resources, the three-week placements offered candidates a range of training and development sessions, including IT skills, enquiry handling and two job skills sessions, where candidates enhanced their skills on writing applications and presenting themselves at interview.
Candidates represented a cross section of job seekers from the local community; some returning to work following periods of ill health or caring responsibilities, and some with no experience of paid employment. Each candidate benefited from the support and guidance of a mentor based in their department who oversaw their work.
For Michael Hughes, who lives in Sheffield, the placement scheme gave him the skills and confidence he needed to get back into the workplace. He said: ìGetting back into the workplace has been a huge step for me and through the scheme Iíve updated my skills in all sorts of areas. I now feel ready to apply for work.î
Director of Human Resources Management, Rosie Valerio, added: ìAll the candidates benefited enormously from the scheme and gave extremely positive feedback about their experiences. After identifying their employment goals, many are now considering applying for jobs at the University. A large part of the success of the scheme can be attributed to the enormous enthusiasm and commitment of the mentors. All expressed how pleased they were to be involved in the scheme and what a beneficial development opportunity it had been.î
The University of Sheffield Work Placement Scheme will run again in summer/autumn 2007.
University scheme provides skills for success
A new initiative at the University of Sheffield which helps jobseekers in the local community to gain valuable work experience has proved a huge success, and plans are already underway to continue the scheme for a second year
