A whole host of organisations gathered last week as part of a Local Employment Advisory Forum (LEAF) event organised by Mears and Sparkbrook Job Club Partnership. The event was held at the stylish Sparkbrook Community and Health Centre right in the heart of the city and attracted over 260 unemployed local people.
Mears is the leading social housing repairs and maintenance provider in the UK and a major presence in the homecare market employing over 250 people in Birmingham.
Attendees received first hand, face to face support and advice on getting into work from over 31 businesses including Midland Heart, Jobcentre Plus, Ashiana, Princes Trust, National Express and the British Army.
Not only were businesses giving advice on their industry recruitment process; LEAF provided tips on interview skills and CV writing.
Steve Johnson a local resident commented 'it has been really good, I was able to speak to different businesses, understand what they need from someone who may apply for future jobs and how I can match that with the experience and skills I have'.
Jo Burrill, Regeneration Project Officer for Midland Heart - 'LEAF has been fantastic, a great partnership working together in the heart of the community which offers something different to people out of work.'