Call on Public Sector to ‘step’ up to provide work placements
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry recently praised and encouraged the public sector’s contribution to helping the unemployed by providing work placement opportunities under DEL’s ‘Steps to Work’ programme.
The Steps to Work programme is the Department for Employment and Learning’s main adult return to work programme which offers a range of opportunities including work experience, training and employment.
The work experience element is an integral part of the programme and provides participants with the opportunity to develop skills and increase their chances of finding and sustaining employment.
Minister Farry said, “My Department is committed to helping the unemployed find and sustain employment. Providing work experience opportunities in the public sector will improve participants’ employability and increase their chances of finding and sustaining employment.
“I have written to all Ministers and local Councils asking them to support the Steps to Work programme and Youth Employment Scheme by offering placement opportunities that will help in meeting our Economy and Jobs initiative.
The Department of the Environment has to date filled 100 work experience opportunities. These placements provide high quality, relevant work experience for the unemployed and provide excellent preparation for future available job opportunities.
The Minister continued, “The Department of the Environment deserves praise for providing unemployed people the chance to sample the world of work, develop employability skills and gain work-related experience. I would encourage all public sector organisations to support this initiative.”
Shan Feet Giet (23) who has been working in DOE as part of the Steps to Work programme said, “This work experience is proving invaluable to me – I have gained many new skills and experience in an office environment.
“I am more confident going forward that I will find a job with my new skills and experience and I would encourage other young people to get involved in these types of initiatives.”
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