A group of Aylesbury residents are now ready for work after picking up vital skills during a week of pre-employment training.
Ten people benefitted from advice on career planning, CV building and interview skills during the five-day course at InSpire at St Peter’s, in Liverpool Grove, delivered by Four Counties Training.
They were given information about job opportunities, had mock interviews with employers and were able to earn a City and Guilds Employability award and Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
When asked about the course, they were really happy with the programme, with one trainee saying: “I wouldn’t change anything at all. I’m ever so pleased that I was part of it. There was a good range of subjects and the tutors were very professional.”
Another added: “I enjoyed the course. It was very informative and I would like to thank all the tutors involved for making it possible."
The week culminated in speed interviews with representatives from three employers. Residents were put through their paces by Paul McCrea from Durkan, Joe Brennan from JBT and Deepak Chavda from St George's.
The interviewers were very delighted by the performance of those taking part in the course, and Mr Brennan said: "I was extremely impressed by the group. They all gave a good account of themselves and were clear about their career intentions. It was difficult to find fault to give them constructive feedback."
Meghan Doyle, Head of Community Investment for the Aylesbury Now regeneration, added: “I am so pleased with the success of NHH’s first training course delivered on the Aylesbury Estate.
"Ten residents registered for the course and with an impressive 100 per cent retention rate, all successfully completed the course, achieving relevant qualifications and useful skills that will make such a difference to getting a job.
“We’re grateful to our partners, Creation Trust, InSpire and Southwark Works for helping to make it such a success and are looking forward to this being the first of many successful training courses to come on the Aylesbury.”
Notting Hill Housing is committed to providing 1,400 employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities for people from Southwark over the lifetime of the regeneration.
