In recent news items  we have brought you information about the ILM programme. We showcased just one of our recent successes. This success is ongoing with 20 of our customers who have or will move in to permanent employment. This is often simply because they have been given the chance to prove what they can do and not had to focus on what is perceived by others that they can’t!

Recently Steve Mollison from Graphic Design and Print emailed me his thoughts on his recent placement:

At Graphic Design and Print Community Interest Company we currently enjoy the benefits of having a member of staff currently under the ILM Programme in partnership with the Shaw Trust.  After consulting with Jeanette Gant about the possible position she identified a person who would benefit from the programme and would be best suited to the role.

So far this person has settled into the role with ease. This has been unexpected and through the ongoing help and support from Jeanette we find that instead of this individual taking up much of our time he is able to get on with the job.

All in all a very positive experience and we are more than happy with how it is working and would encourage other employers to look at this programme.  The benefit is not just for the individual in helping them back into work, but for the company too. A win win situation for all.

The ILM Programme is a scheme which can target young or old, mentally or physically disabled, lone parent, ethnic minority groups, in fact anyone who has the motivation to return to work having been unemployed for 12 months or more. Unlike many of the other schemes in operation it does have a unique selling point.

Each month a maximum of 4 can be signed on to the Programme. This means that support offered to new starters on the Programme is much more tailored to the individual. The Employment Advisors can act as mentors giving practical advice for all the skills required to re-enter the working world after a lengthy absence. Through the support of a ‘Host Employer’, the Shaw Trust is able to fund a placement for up to 26 weeks. In return the employer provides a supportive environment and any on the job or ongoing training   during the placement. If the placement progresses well it is a great opportunity for them to apply for a position should it arise with the ‘Host’ employer. The network of employers in the Social Enterprise Norfolk is exactly what the ILM project needs as our placements must be arranged with Social Enterprise or not for profit organisations.

The programme is funded by the European Social Fund.

If you would like to know more about the Programme or think you may be able to offer a placement or are looking to fill vacancies in the future why not give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.

Jeanette Gant                07595-085658

Mark Craven                 07725-308223