The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
1240/5(6127)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 15th MARCH 2011
Question
Following his response to question 6081, will the Minister inform members how many additional employers of the 3,726 eligible have joined the Advance to Work scheme as a result of his latest publicity drive and how many places have been added to the 270 available?
Will he further state how many of the 142 jobs found so far have been permanent rather than temporary or contract posts?
Answer
Since 1st February 2011 when a real drive to get more business engaging with Advance to Work began, 41 businesses have expressed an interest in having a trainee on placement with them.
Mentors are currently liaising with these firms to discuss their requirements in terms of type of trainee, ascertain job descriptions and check details, such as insurance after which point CV's of trainees are put forward.
It must also be noted that the publicity drive has not finished. I made an appeal to more than 800 business leaders at the recent Enterprise Awards evening. More businesses continue to be contacted and come forward to join the scheme.
Last week saw the 2nd Annual Presentation Evening for Advance to Work trainees and I was advised, because unfortunately I was out of the Island, that it was a magnificent event to recognise the success of trainees so far, not only in terms of those who have moved into employment, but in terms of progress made since they joined the scheme.
Many have excelled in areas they didn't realise were possible, many have found their untapped talents and come on tremendously by attending the vast range of training provided through ATW as well as work placements where there is not a job at the end of it.
The presentation evening was attended by over 300 people who left inspired about the work that ATW are doing, with a clear message that their success is down to the partnership with local businesses. The push for more employers to get involved continues, but the presentation evening certainly shows just how successful it is already.
Since 1st February, employment opportunities have been found in: tourism, design, construction, retail, IT, motor vehicle, hairdressing, animal care, Parish work, finance, media, landscaping, home care, legal and photography to name but a few.
Of the jobs 148 so far 109 were permanent jobs. Other trainees remain in jobs they got following their placements but are on rolling contracts of durations such as 3 or 6 months.
ATW are firmly of the opinion that for many of their clients, getting a "foot in the door" of paid employment is a very positive thing, and they would never deter trainees from accepting an offer of seasonal or contract work. For many trainees the transition from relying on Income Support for money to earning their own weekly or monthly wage for the first time is a huge step forward and gives them that motivation to keep up the good work to ensure their contracts get renewed.
Finally, I urge all Fellow States Members to continually spread the word on the Advance to Work programme and the benefits it brings to both young people and the Island as a whole.