500-up for jobs scheme

BRIGHTER future . . . Matthew Glossop with Oldham Council’s deputy leader Jackie Stanton

A NATIONAL programme that creates jobs for the long-term unemployed has welcomed its 500th Oldham recruit.

Moorside teen Matthew Glossop has signed up for the Future Jobs Fund and will take a post within the council’s Economy, Places and Skills department where he will work on supporting tourism.

The Future Jobs Fund, launched in Oldham in January, 2010, has offered 18 to 24-year-olds the chance to gain the invaluable experience needed to help them boost their prospects in the jobs market.

Each of the 500 recruits have had at least six months’ experience across a range of council departments as well as with partner organisations such as First Choice Homes, Oldham Community Leisure, Great Places and Housing 21.

Council leader Howard Sykes said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Matthew to work with us here at Oldham Council. Like all the others before him, Matthew will be fully integrated into our workforce and given the chance to learn and attain new qualifications — as well as getting on-the-job training and vital work experience. Oldham Council have used this scheme to offer significant opportunities to local young people, supporting them to learn new skills and make significant enhancements to their CVs.

“I am certain this will have been of long-term benefit to all 500 young people who have taken part — helping them take significant steps forward in their search for brighter long-term careers.”