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The Kitchen Shop on Market Street in Lichfield, has been involved with Talent Match for a long time and has helped by taking on ten people, so far, for work experience and training.
It’s this kind of work experience which has led to more successful applications for employment and which demonstrates the kind of social value businesses can create in their communities.
“It’s a great way to ‘try before you’ buy when looking for staff but it’s also a great way to help people get that edge so they stand out a bit more when looking for work”
-Liz, manageress of The Kitchen Shop
Work experience has proved very popular amongst those looking to get in to work and the Job Centre agrees that people who undertake work experience are far more likely to secure paid employment afterwards.
Even graduates from colleges and university who don’t have work experience find it difficult to find work as employers feel that practical experience is more valuable.
The work that Talent Match and The Kitchen Shop have done together has been fantastic but more local businesses are needed to offer a range of work experience options across different industries.
Different people have different ambitions but for most young people the only kind of work experience they can gain is in retail.
We need companies from catering and hospitality, legal, mechanical and in fact all types of industries to take an interest in creating the work force of the future.
Employers repeatedly tell us that experience is worth more than qualifications on paper and this is how they can be part of the solution to the problem they have themselves recognised.
If you have a business in the Lichfield or Cannock area and you think you want to get involved and be added to the register of work experience providers then contact Talent Match on 01543 301140 or e-mail the employer engagement officer Richard Williams at richard.williams@talentmatchstaffs.org.uk
