[E]LEVEN local unemployed residents have celebrated their graduation today (Friday) from the Creating Careers in Cumbria programme.
Morgan Sindall and Copeland Borough Council provided the candidates with work experience and training that aims to increase their prospects of future employment.
As part of the programme, the group worked alongside The Outward Bound Trust experiencing four days of team building, leadership and development activities to build confidence and teach essential employment skills.
Copeland mayor, Mike Starkie, said: “We are delighted to work with our partners as part of the Creating Careers programme. It is important that the talent and skills within our community is fully realised.
“Copeland Borough Council is committed to enhancing the skills and instilling self-belief in those that are currently unemployed.
“We recognise that initiatives that aim to support, teach and enable are vital in creating the future workforces of Copeland.”
As part of the programme, candidates received support and advice to develop their CV, interview techniques and build confidence in a working environment.
Programme graduate Rose Blaney, aged 22 of Harrington, said: “It was a great experience and it’s definitely going to benefit me in the future.
“I learned a lot about myself and how to communicate better in a work environment.
“As well as the skills I’ve learned I’ve made friends that I’ll definitely keep in touch with.”
The graduation was a chance to celebrate the achievements of those involved and provide an opportunity for them to show potential employers their new skills.
Peter Musk, pre contract director for Morgan Sindall, said: “Morgan Sindall is proud to support the local community in West Cumbria and help to provide the opportunities for individuals to learn new skills and potentially gain employment.
“We have run five programmes to date, which have provided candidates with essential employment skills and work experience.
“In this cohort, we have had another enthusiastic group of candidates, and today was an excellent opportunity to celebrate their great achievements.”
