Wolves at Work has helped Wolverhampton residents secure jobs at the city centre’s exciting new Lockworks Cinema.

Independent commercial operator, PDJ, opened the doors to the state-of-the-art four-screen venue inside the iconic Chubb Building earlier this month.

It will ultimately employ a local workforce of three permanent and 20 part-time staff – with nine of the vacancies now filled by recruits from council-led employment service, Wolves at Work.

Roles include front of house service to ensuring the safety of customers watching films to offer the best experience possible.

Working with city partners, Wolves at Work offers one-to-one support for residents living in Wolverhampton who are looking for work or to progress in their careers and is a free service available for people of any age to access.

Residents are offered their own dedicated Work Coach who provides support with CVs, help to complete job applications and interview practice, advice on training courses and in-work benefits and access to hundreds of local jobs through links with employers.

Deon Marcel Millen from Bradmore in Wolverhampton, a Lockworks Cinema employee supported by Wolves at Work, said: “Wolves at Work were very, very helpful. I contacted them in April/May because I needed help finding a job and I got signed in which was nice and easy. A lady called Michelle helped me with my CV and within three weeks to a month I was able to get this job.

“It’s really good here and the team and staff are great. It’s a well-balanced job for me and I’m enjoying helping people.”

Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Supporting our residents into jobs, skills and training is one of the key priorities for the city and Wolves at Work is producing positive employment outcomes for our residents.

“PDJ has delivered an exciting new city centre cinema and by connecting with Wolves at Work it has ensured the new jobs available are going to local people.

“The cinema, alongside other popular venues like the art gallery, Grand Theatre and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, will also drive footfall to support neighbouring local businesses and help them grow – creating further job opportunities.”

James Jervis, Director at PDJ Management, said: "We have been delighted to work with Wolves at Work. They have provided a brilliant service and the staff we have taken on have impressed from day one with an excellent attitude, big smiles and ensuring the Lockworks Cinema has best in class customer service.

“The connection to the local area from our employees is a key part of what makes us a true independent cinema for the city."

To register for employment support visit the Wolves at Work office at i10, Railway Drive, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LH (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), calling 01902 554400 or emailing wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Local employers looking for support to fill roles can call on Wolves at Work’s team of dedicated Recruitment Managers. They can help by finding the right candidates for vacant roles and offer a range of support, from mapping potential candidates against your criteria through to arranging interviews. They also offer ongoing support to ensure that candidates stay in employment – from assisting with initial travel costs to providing advice on childcare and finances.

Employers can advertise their vacances for free on Wolves Workbox, an online skills and employment website dedicated to the City of Wolverhampton. Anyone interested in doing this should visit www.wolvesworkbox.com or email recruitment@wolverhampton.gov.uk.   

Check out the www.lockworkscinema.co.uk website to buy tickets for the latest Hollywood blockbusters.