I visited Stourbridge’s Job Centre and met with Harj Cheema and James Attwood, both senior operations managers for Dudley Borough and other staff at the centre.
We had discussions about the local improvements in youth unemployment figures, the buoyancy of the local job market and the difficulties of people with autism in finding jobs.
I told them I would be happy to come along and support one of the centre’s jobs fairs and I will also encourage local businesses to attend too.
I also met with Safwan Hanash from Embark Learning on how it is helping people into work, particularly into the care sector.
Embark offers candidates a route into a care career, backed by accredited vocational training, digital skills and practical work experience, delivered by trainers with extensive industry experience.
I was given a very detailed briefing about the jobs situation in Stourbridge and the improvements in youth unemployment is good news along with the number of vacancies that are available.
But challenges remain around getting over 50s back into work with the right training and skills and helping those with disabilities to reach their full potential.
I am looking forward to going to one of the centre’s jobs fairs and making sure more employers plug into this way to fill vacances.
I thank the job centre staff for taking the time to meet with me. They do a great job and I appreciate it very much.
I also met with Becky Ingley, work coach, Tony Hickman, customer service manager and Fiona Ramsay, work coach team leader.
