Pictured: (Front left) Nicki Lewis-Downing of Pertemps People Development Group and Maria Lewis (front right), of the NHS Learning Hub, are joined by (back left) Clive Dalton, deputy principal of Harborne Academy , and PPDG clients David Allmark, Angela Garratt, Bhavika Mistry and Elment Sibanda

A major employment and training company has been getting job seekers back into work by demonstrating how it cares for its community.

Employees at Birmingham-based Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) recently organised a range of activities all with a care theme to highlight the employment potential offered by the sector.

PPDG employment coaches at its Harborne office held awareness seminars and worked with clients to improve their CVs resulting in immediate job offers, combining this with the donation of a number of food hampers to local churches for distribution to more vulnerable worshippers. 

Residents from local sheltered accommodation also participated in the 'Go On' scheme to learn basic computer skills including how to set up and send emails and shop online.

PPDG is placing a growing emphasis on job opportunities within the care industry, running weekly 'Introduction to Care' sessions which showcase the skills required to become a care worker and any associated job opportunities.

Site manager Kelly Owen said: "The idea was to bring together a number of activities to tie in with National Care Week whilst doing something to help our own community. The interaction we generated with local residents and job seekers was really beneficial with more people now aware of the services we can provide in helping people back to work.

"We are offering a range of college courses beginning this month (January) leading to a qualification in care and many of the clients we work with have already shown a keen interest in the available opportunities."

PPDG won the five to seven year Work Programme contract as a prime deliverer in the Birmingham, Solihull & Black Country region in a national tendering process carried out by the Government. PPDG's team of employment experts provides advice on benefits, confidence building, one-to-one support, CV and interview preparation as well as finding the right job or training course. In partnership with DWP, the Ministry of Justice and Jobcentre Plus, PPDG delivers a diverse range of employment and training initiatives and many programmes financed by the European Social Fund. PPDG came fourth in The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2011.

For more information about Pertemps People Development Group, please visit their website here: www.ppdg.co.uk