County council lifeline for jobseekers
Workers who have lost their jobs during the economic downturn have been offered a lifeline by Staffordshire County Council.
Workers who have lost their jobs during the economic downturn have been offered a lifeline by Staffordshire County Council.
The authority has launched a new project to give out-of-work residents new skills and experiences by working in the countryside.
The council has said it is committed to supporting communities hit hard by the recession and in its latest scheme have enrolled the Country Parks and Rights of Way teams to help out.
Staffordshire is offering jobseekers the chance to get some hands-on experience by working as volunteers in the countryside.
The project has the support of the Staffordshire Council for Voluntary Service and Jobcentre Plus.
Staffordshire's environment and countryside champion Councillor Mike Maryon said the council was determined to help get people back on their feet.
"Volunteering with our countryside team will give job seekers a boost.
"It's a great confidence builder. Employers are looking for commitment, enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.
"A period of volunteering demonstrates that in spades.
"And working in the countryside is incredibly satisfying.
"You will be able to learn new skills and build up your CV while doing something really positive for the community and the environment," he said.
The programme is open to both people who have been recently made redundant or those who have been out of work for a while.
Volunteers will be able to work in locations across Staffordshire, from either the operations base at Cannock Chase or at the country parks in and around the Churnet Valley.
Activities could include installing and repairing gates, clearing footpaths, managing wildlife rich heathland and installing signposts and doing other conservation work.
Annette Summerscales, the partnership manager for Jobcentre Plus, said that the programme was a real opportunity to learn new skills and develop self-confidence.
She said: "Volunteering is very rewarding.
"It can demonstrate to prospective employers; commitment, determination, team spirit, good time keeping, motivation and focus.
"This is an opportunity to keep active, mix with people from different backgrounds, ages and experiences.
"It can enhance the prospect of employment and may even lead to a new career."
Details and application forms will be available at job centres and the volunteer centres.
They will also be at Staffordshire's Country Parks and on the website at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/environ ment
