Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe Smith
Norwich For Jobs has proudly partnered with The Prince’s Trust and Jarrold Department Store to support a young carer move forward with his employment journey.
James, a 19 year old young man who is a full-time carer for his mother, has struggled to move forward with finding work, due to his caring responsibilities. Having completed studies in engineering, James was unsure of how to proceed with his future.
Norwich For Jobs sought to help James in finding the right opportunities through our project, and coach him through our Monday Support Club, which offers extra support to young people with barriers to work. James regularly attended the Monday Club, and took advantage of the services that was offered, including work-taster sessions and mock interviews with local employers, who volunteered their time to support our young people.
The Norwich For Jobs Project referred James to The Prince’s Trust ‘Get into Retail’ programme with Jarrold which he started in October 2018. The Prince’s Trust, in partnership with Jarrold were able to offer James a deeper understanding of the retail sector, helping him to further increase his confidence, while also enabling him to build on his customer service skills.
Having completed The Prince’s Trust programme, James has been offered an 8 week paid employment position. The weekend working hours have allowed James to continue with his caring responsibilities.
James said: “Norwich for Jobs has really helped me to understand what employers are looking for from an individual and this has helped me to complete job applications with this in mind. I have found Jo and Tom at the Monday Support Club very welcoming and they have helped me with my journey into work. The Prince’s Trust Get Into programme gave me a good insight into the job role and duties required. I am overjoyed and looking forward to starting my job at Jarrold.”
Chloe Smith MP, Founder and Chair of the Norwich For Jobs project has said: “It was a pleasure to meet James in person, and to learn more from him about how the Norwich For Jobs project has helped him succeed. James, like all of our young people, should be proud of their achievements and their positive attitudes in over-coming barriers to succeed.
“The Norwich For Jobs works successfully with partners, including The Prince’s Trust, to pool resources that allow us to collectively support young people get into work. Examples of employers, like Jarrold, show just how important work experience is for young people, and I would encourage any employer that could offer one of our young people a similar opportunity, to get in touch and help us change a life.”
Laura London, HR Manager at Jarrold said: “It was an honour for Jarrold to be part of what is a fantastic and potentially life-changing opportunity for young people who might not have otherwise had the chance to gain valuable work experience. The programme not only gives young people experience in a retail environment but also helps boost their confidence by developing their communication skills, promoting teamwork and helping them complete HABC Level 2 Award in Customer Service and Conflict Management.”
Tim Gardiner, Programme Executive at The Prince's Trust said: ’James has worked extremely hard to complete the programme. As a young carer with additional responsibilities, his success is inspiring. He has shown real determination and strength of character to get this far. Working collaboratively with the Monday Support Club and Jarrold ensured we could all help James with his transition into work. We’re very proud of his achievement.’