Despite the tightening of new lockdown restrictions, the WIRE Project continues to support ex-offenders to gain valuable work experience, give back to the community, improve their employability skills and put participants forward for further training.
Due to current restrictions, a majority of our work has been delivered virtually. In order to make our offer of support inclusive and accessible for our service users, we have been providing laptops for those who might not have access to a computer or laptop to receive virtual support. Despite the challenges that online support can bring, we are still able to provide a range of activities and sessions that can benefit our participants.
As mentioned in last months newsletter, the WIRE Project recently received ESF funding to deliver an online Employability programme which runs from October 2020 until March 2021. We have enrolled 13 participants onto the programme so far, with many of them improving their employability skills, gaining valuable work experience and volunteering opportunities.
Since the launch of the programme in October, The WIRE project managed to support 5 participants to achieve training outcomes such as gaining a CSCS card, Forklift licence and Brush-cutter qualifications. 5 participants have been supported into employment, 3 have completed a community-based work placement and 1 successfully completed a 2-week work placement with a local business.
Daniel continues to build his portfolio
Daniel is one of our participants who has completed a work placement with Bradgate Park, helped to renovate a garden area for Gorse Covert Community Centre in Loughborough and has recently passed his Brush-cutter and Trimmer Level 2 qualification with Park Hill Training. He now plans to start another voluntary work placement with Sanctus who are planning to renovate Everard Meadows by planting trees.
WIRE Participants put their ‘wrapping skills’ to the test
A small group of those on the Employability Programme later went on to volunteer with a local charity called Toys on the table, who provide Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children across Leicester and Leicestershire.
Sustained Employment for Omiel
Omiel was previously with the WIRE Project and recently got in contact to show his appreciation for the support he received to help him find work. During the summer Omiel was unemployed and keen to find employment, but given the situation with Covid19, he was finding it very difficult to find opportunities. The WIRE Project supported Omiel to fund his CSCS training and managed to source a work trial for him with Pollardboxes. On completion of the work trial and interview, he was offered employment.
Thank you for all of your help to find work, I’ve been with Pollardboxes for 5 months now and I’m loving it. It’s ideal for me because it’s local to where I live.
How can you help?
We are looking to involve local businesses who may be able to offer voluntary work placements to help prepare our participants for future employment. If you are an employer or local business and feel you might be able to support our work and help ex-offenders with their journey into employment, then we would love to hear from you.
If you are a business who would like to get involved with supporting our project, please email Rudi@leicestershirecares.co.uk