Ninety unemployed people have been able to return to work, thanks to Tesco and Bournville College. The initiative, which was funded by the Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC) and West Midlands Leaders Board’s (WMLB) regional European Social Fund (ESF) programme, has made a difference to many residents of the north east Birmingham.
Hundreds of initial applicants were narrowed down to 90 people who were offered a job at the newly built Tesco in Hodge Hill, subject to completing a 6 week pre-employment training programme organised by Bournville College. The training combined modules related to customer service, manual handling, problem solving, equality and diversity, health and safety and IT skills. In addition, the candidates were able to test their newly learned skills during the practical work experience sessions at the Tesco’s store in Aston.
Among the ninety candidates was Robbie McMorrine (35), an ex-steel factory worker from Erdington. Due to a hand injury acquired on a heavy machine he was forced to leave his job in January 2009. Several months of unemployment and hundreds of CVs sent to potential employers later, Robbie was referred to attend the Tesco recruitment day. After the 6 weeks of pre-employment training, he was ready to start his new job as a cold meat, cheese and fish counter assistant. He reflected: ‘The training delivered by Bournville College was very practical and relevant to our job roles. I didn’t think I would stand a chance in this process, especially when all my previous job hunting efforts came to nothing. I have now learned not to give up. You never know, your next opportunity could be just round the corner, but if you give up before it finds you, you stand no chance.’
Emma L. Grant, Store Manager at Tesco Hodge Hill said: ‘It has been a pleasure to work closely with the partnership team, resulting in the successful employment of 90 people in an area of high unemployment. The successful candidates have made a very smooth transition into Tesco and are helping the store deliver a fantastic shopping experience for the local community.’
Frauke Marquardt, Assistant Principal – Integrated Employability & Skills, at Bournville College added: ‘It was an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver an innovative pre-employment training programme on behalf of Tesco Plc in partnership with the LSC, JCP and Birmingham City Council. Tesco staff played an active part in the design of the materials which provided a framework to deliver the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead to sustainable employment. The College wishes the new store at Hodge Hill and all its staff a very successful future.’
To find out more about similar projects and training opportunities at Bournville College, call the Employment and Advice Team on 0121 222 5684.
