Wandsworth WorkMatch Launched
Local recruitment service helping unemployed borough residents
The five-strong team is now up and running and has already found roles for six local people.
They have a range of positions to fill and more and more employers are now starting to recruit through the service.
WorkMatch launch webBattersea Power Station, St James Group, Ballymore, Sainsbury's, Homebase and Wandsworth Council are now filling vacancies through WorkMatch.
Local hairdressers, independent shops and a number of large retailers have also started to advertise new roles through the team.
WorkMatch is only available to Wandsworth residents who are out of work.
The team supports candidates through the application process - including help with CVs and interview skills - to give them the best chance of success.
They will also help local people find any pre-job training and support they need to get ready for the workplace.
The service works closely with Job Centre Plus, community organisations, local colleges and schools to provide a joined up support network.
Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, officially launched WorkMatch at their new dedicated office at 207 Lavender Hill, Battersea. He said:
"Helping local people find work is my top priority and this valuable new service will ensure our residents secure more jobs, apprenticeships and training positions created in our borough. Local businesses also stand to benefit from a free recruitment service offering vetted, job ready candidates who match their needs.
"Wandsworth is currently experiencing exceptional levels on new investment, especially in Nine Elms on the South Bank and Wandsworth Town where some enormous development projects are underway. The WorkMatch team provides a direct link between these new opportunities and borough residents who need them most."
Ben Cook, (pictured left with Chantelle Daniel, Access to Employment Manager at Wandswoth Council, & Ravi Govindia), from Battersea, is one of the first local residents to find a job through WorkMatch.
He said: "I gave the WorkMatch team my CV and they called me into their office to go through it and talk about the type of job I wanted. They also wanted to check I was serious about finding work and ready for it. The first job I went for didn't work out but a couple of days later they got me an interview with Ballymore to work as a Chain Person. I was successful and now I'm working on the Embassy Gardens site in Nine Elms. It's such a good feeling to be back in work and I'm learning a lot more about site engineering. It's still early days but I'm feeling really positive. I'd definitely recommend WorkMatch to other people."
September 25, 2013