Mandy's Excited to What Life Has in Sports Traider Store
24th February 2010
Mandy Beale had been unemployed for over six months and had started
to give up on any hope of finding work, until JobCentre Plus
introduced her to Bedford Borough Council’s Future Jobs Fund, which
has restored her confidence and positive attitude to life in
general.
Mandy said: “The Future Jobs Fund is a
life-saver, thanks to joining the programme I have been placed at
Sports Traider, which has meant I now have my communication skills
back and self-belief in what I am able to do. I enjoy working in
such a positive, outgoing, happy work environment, and hope many
more of us can benefit from such a great experience. I am looking
forward to what life has in store and to moving up the
ladder.”
The Future Jobs Fund programme is being well
received and filling a much needed critical gap to existing
provision by offering a ‘real’ job opportunity and work experience
to young people and others who are disadvantaged in the labour
market.
Sports Traider, a not-for-profit social
enterprise that collects donated sports goods and sells them on for
charity. Currently they have five Future Jobs Fund participants
working in their shop and warehouse, with another two due to start
in March 2010.
The programme has not only had a positive
effect on the individuals working there, but has helped Sports
Traider establish their retail outlet, which is a real benefit to
the young people of the Borough.
We are now appealing to other employers who
may be able to take advantage of the scheme and are able to create
a job that would not exist without Future Jobs Fund support.
For further information, please contact Simon Dunning, Project
Manager, on 01234 276915, or email Simon.Dunning@bedford.gov.uk.