Coleraine jobseekers and employers say ‘yes’ to YES

Keith Creelman, Lexy Halliday, Donna Atkinson, Councillor Sam Cole, Mayor of Coleraine, and Gregory Campbell pictured at the event held in Coleraine Leisure Centre. CR18-404PL

The event was well supported by local job seekers in the 18-24 age group and over 40 employers were also in attendance.

The event, organised by staff from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), aimed to help young unemployed people gain a work experience opportunity and improve their employability prospects. Employment Service Advisers were in attendance throughout the event to provide an overview of YES to help young jobseekers with CV’s, interview skills, job search skills and completing application forms. Local employers were also available with offers of current and upcoming opportunities through the YES.

Rhonda Henry, Employment Service Office Manager for Coleraine, said: “Events like this give young people seeking to improve their employment prospects the opportunity to meet with local employers, build useful contacts and learn more about what is available to them. #

“The experience gained through YES work placements gives them the chance to try out a range of tasks in a real work situation, develop employability skills and gain work-related experience which will help at future job interviews.

“For those young people unable to attend this event, I would encourage them to visit www.jobcentreonline.com for detail of current YES opportunities.”

Local jobseeker Kyle Montgomery who is benefitting from a placement with Patchwork Ireland said: “I would encourage other young people to come along to events like this and get involved in initiatives such as YES. The opportunity to gain experience and qualifications have improved my chances of getting a job.”

Maurice Devenney, Head of Operations for Lynas Food Service who has taken on one YES placement which has led to full-time employment and who brought two further skills development opportunities to the event, spoke in support of the programme:

“As a major employer in Coleraine we are very happy with the outcome of the Youth Employment Scheme. This programme is definitely a win win for both employers and young people. Advisors from the local Jobs & Benefits Office guided us through the process which was surprisingly straightforward.

“I would also encourage other local employers to get involved with the range of employment, training and recruitment support available from DEL.”