Journey2Jobs trainees reach destination at Helm

A training and employment initiative jointly facilitated by Helm Housing Association and Bryson FutureSkills has welcomed six new trainees to the team at Helm House in Belfast. 

The programme provides support to young people and those in long-term unemployment and began with 13 weeks of training workshops which involved an in-depth assessment, a personal training plan, careers advice and guidance, as well as a dedicated work mentor. The eight new trainees are now embarking on the final phase of the programme, a 10 week placement with Helm Housing. The trainees are currently working across a range of areas within Helm Housing, including administration, construction, IT and maintenance.Speaking one week in to their placement with Helm Housing, Bernard Moran who works in the Corporate Assurance Department said: I left college at the beginning of the recession and had trouble finding work as most of the jobs I was interested in wanted applicants with at least two years experience. Little by little Bryson helped me to gain the desirable skills to meet job criteria, while Helm has provided me with the required experience.Sheila Taylor, Neighbourhood Manager at Helm Housing, said the association was delighted to welcome the new trainees onboard and highlighted how the programme would be mutually beneficial for both the trainees and Helm Housing.She said; We know how difficult it can be for those who have been out of work for some time to access the relevant training to help them gain employment again, and Journey2Jobs is designed to provide these opportunities.
Not only does it give participants better employment prospects and hands-on experience but it will hopefully also help improve their well-being and happiness. And in return, we gain six new trainees with newly-acquired skills and enthusiasm to learn more.Cathy Wilson from Bryson FutureSkills added; Journey2Jobs has been a huge success in helping many people  gain training and new skills which are essential to help them findtheir way back to the workplace.
The trainees will leave the programme with an accredited Employability Skills Qualification from Bryson FutureSkills, as well as  invaluable experience gained from working as an integral part of a team.You can find out more about Bernard''s progress via his blog on our website.  For more information on Bryson FutureSkills visit their website http://www.brysonfutureskills.org/'