Pictured above: PPDGs Future Jobs Fund team - Warwick Jones, Sally-Ann Parker, Deb Nickless and Garry Booker

A total of 56 unemployed young people from Worcestershire seized opportunities to gain paid positions, develop their skills and improve their long term employment prospects.

Thanks to Worcestershire County Council, The Future Jobs Fund and Shrub Hill based Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG), all of the young people were employed by organisations with a community interest. Their employment with local organisations has also bolstered the services available within the county. 

A large proportion of these individuals have now progressed into further employment and are utilising the skills gained through their placements in sustainable employment.  

Simon Smithson, Regional Operations Director with PPDG, who worked as sub contractor to contract managers Worcestershire County Council, believes the government initiative has made a huge difference to local youngsters and the community.

"The Future Jobs Fund provided us with an excellent opportunity to respond to the increasing local levels of unemployment affecting young people," said Mr Smithson.

"We were able to assist with the creation of a broad scope of jobs with organisations across Worcestershire.  Positions ranging from French Polisher through to Assistant Film Maker were created and these opportunities have provided valuable paid experience for local young people."

The Future Jobs Fund, a national initiative that created 6 month paid jobs for 18 - 24 year olds with organisations linked to the local community.  

The subcontractor PPDG, liaised with external organisations to create the jobs and also identifying eligible clients and providing pre-employment training to them developing their skills and improving their long-term employment prospects.  

A range of training and 'back to work' initiatives are provided by PPDG at their Shrub Hill offices. To learn more about PPDG in Worcestershire, telephone 01905 20734.