Following a successful pre-employment training programme with the College and support from Birmingham City Council, 16 previously unemployed local people gained employment at HydraForce in Aston.
Mel Scarlett, Project Manager, South & City College said “We were really pleased to work with HydraForce again to support candidates into employment, we are delighted that the 14 candidates all passed the course and secured work with HydraForce. The company have been incredibly supportive of the college and the work the candidates have completed and we are very proud of their success. ”
The programme was highly successful with students graduating at a presentation ceremony, held on site at HydraForce, Aston Hall Road. The course is designed to meet employers needs and improve confidence, skill and knowledge for people looking to gain employment.
The certificates presented by Khalid Mahmood MP at the ceremony, were the result of hard work and determination by a group of unemployed candidates who completed the two week pre-employment training programme, delivered by the College.
Dawne Haye, trainer said “I have enjoyed delivering the course and supporting the group from start to finish. I have a very rewarding job and it is always a joy to see students achieve employment and make a massive difference to their lives and the lives of their families.
The course has been very successful and it has been heart-warming to see the confidence built from day one to the end of the two week programme. The success is contributed to the close professional partnership between the employer and the college. Working hard to produce outstanding results.”
During the ceremony, each student gave an account of their journey from applying and being interviewed, to collecting their certificates.
Richard Gillick said “I heard about this course through the job centre and when I got the phone call to say I had been accepted on the course I was really happy and a little anxious as I have been out of work for a year and a half. I had seen the new site being constructed and I remember thinking it must be a big expanding company. I am thankful to HydraForce for this opportunity and the chance to bring stability back into my life. I will be a motivated, loyal and positive worker.”
Christine Tolley, Head of Human Resources at HydraForce Hydraulics Ltd., said “This is the second time that HydraForce has worked with both the Employment Access Team from Birmingham City Council and the college to identify potential employees. Once again, their support has been invaluable and we were delighted to have been able to offer positions to every individual who successfully completed the training programme. As an employer, we believe that it is extremely important to employ local people if at all possible and in doing so, help to develop and support the local community.”