Oldham Council and its partners are celebrating after smashing an ambitious target to create 2,015 employment opportunities by the end of 2015.
The local authority’s flagship ‘Get Oldham Working’ campaign has seen employers provide 2,169 jobs, apprenticeship and trainee opportunities since May, 2013.
The triumph was revealed earlier this month at Gallery Oldham with a ‘Thank You’ event to businesses and organisations supported the initiative.
Special guest Adam Corbally, star of BBC’s The Apprentice, shared the secrets of his own success from being a market trader to motivational coach and entrepreneur.
He praised Get Oldham Working as an “inspirational” initiative that has helped many young people and the unemployed to find work.
Adam said: “Oldham is showing great commitment to get residents into employment.
“I admire the drive that the council and employers have in uniting together for the goal of finding work for its residents.
“I must commend the support Get Oldham Working provides in mentoring and giving financial support for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.”
The dedicated Get Oldham Working team has helped facilitate the creation of 1,184 jobs, 342 apprenticeships and 643 trainee and work experience opportunities.
And the council and its partners are committed to carry on the good work – with an increased focus on creating more jobs.
Councillor McMahon said: “This is a milestone for Oldham Council as it shows that by working together we can make a real difference.
“Collectively we are reducing unemployment in Oldham and we are growing more support for new business ventures.
“We are seeing more businesses setting up in Oldham, young people wanting to work here and a positive attitude to make things better for ourselves.
“We may have smashed our target of 2,015 employment opportunities with nine months to spare – but we were never going to stop there.”
Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills, said: “We are a council that has big plans for the future – despite the budget challenges we face.
“We have an energetic Get Oldham Working team dedicated to helping local people. Some of the team came through the initiative and are now helping fellow residents get their foot on the employment ladder.
“I would urge any businesses who have not already signed up to this beneficial scheme to do so. Anyone out there looking for work should contact our Get Oldham Working team.”
Anyone seeking work or support should visit www.oldham.gov.uk/gow or send an email to employability@oldham.gov.uk. Alternatively you can call 0161 770 4674.
Follow the team on Twitter @EmployOldham or “like” on Facebook
Local businesses and organisations interested in providing traineeships, apprentices or jobs for local people can either express interest by visiting on-line at www.oldham.gov.uk/gow or also send an email to employability@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 4674.
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