Jewson

The Newport branch of one of the UK’s leading suppliers of building materials is urging other employers to consider using the Employability Skills Programme after finding it to be the ideal recruitment solution for its business.

Jewson, which comprises of nearly 600 branches nationwide, has taken advantage of the programme to overcome a significant skills shortage in its workforce.

Marc Horton, manager of the Newport branch of Jewson, said: “We were going through a phase where we had a number of people signed off work for a prolonged period of time and desperately needed to find employees to manage the building workload. We came across the Employability Skills Programme while researching different possibilities and it seemed like the perfect solution to filling the skills shortage.

“Initially we just wanted to find temporary staff to help us manage the workload but we have actually found that this programme has been an ideal method of finding enthusiastic, hardworking people who are keen to learn and progress. 

“We have been able to train the individuals on the placement in the skills relevant to our business, which means they now have hands-on, practical, industry experience and understand how our business operates on a day to day basis. We have also been able to move them around the business to not only meet our requirements but to see where they fit best and where we can make best use of their individual skills and aptitude. 

“Not only has this provided us with the opportunity to fill the skills shortage we were experiencing, it has helped us to ensure our business continues to thrive during a difficult period. 

“In addition to helping our business, the Employability Skills Programme provides us with the opportunity to help people who are struggling to find work by helping them get back onto the career ladder while providing them with the chance to gain relevant work experience.”

The Employability Skills Programme is designed to provide individuals with the confidence and experience they need to get a job through high-quality work experience placements that provide work-based learning, employability and skills training workshops, upskilling in essential skills and dedicated support staff.
To find out more about the programme click here.