Joseph Bentley Joe wants a new role for the New Year Gloucester Works improves job opportunities for local resident A visually impaired man from Gloucester is aiming for a new job for the New Year after receiving support from Gloucester Works. Gloucester Works is a unique initiative managed by Gloucestershire First in collaboration with other partners, designed to meet the jobs and skills needs of workers and local employers. Local man Joe Bentley (25) is well on the way towards securing his first full time job after receiving one-to-one support and training through Gloucester Works. Joe has previously gained an NVQ in customer service and a GNVQ in computer studies and attended a number of work experience placements to build up his skills and knowledge but has struggled to find employment. Since being referred to Gloucester Works by the Shaw Trust in Gloucester, Joe has been receiving weekly job tutoring at Gloucestershire College. The training, which includes C.V writing, interview techniques and job searching, will continue into the New Year, while he is preparing for an interview for an administrative position. Gloucester Works has also helped Joe to start a City and Guilds IT course, which he feels will improve his chances of employment. Says Joseph, 'the City and Guilds course is something I really want to do. I've done lots of work experience, but not had a full-time job, so I want to show an employer what I can do; it's ok saying it, but having a qualification to back it up is very important. I've always had the motivation to find a job, but the one-to-one training has certainly helped.' Kim Jolliffe, Team Leader at Gloucester Works says; 'Joseph's story is one of a number of real situations where local people have been able to get the support they need to enter the local job market for the first time. 'The Gloucester Works Team is working hard to make sure that local people are receiving the training and guidance they need to prepare for interview opportunities and then as they progress into employment.' Since August, a total of 383 unemployed people from Gloucester have attended interviews with Gloucester Works and are currently receiving a whole range of support including job search activity, courses in CV writing, interview and job application skills and a range of further job related training.

For more information on how Gloucester Works can help you please contact the team on 0800 002 9838 or e-mail info@gloucesterworks.co.uk

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