City employment programmes support young people to reach their potential
22 November 2023
Jobseekers aged 18-24 in Wolverhampton are benefiting from a range of employment support available from the city council and Wolverhampton Homes.
At the end of 2022, Callum Woodall was working in a temporary role as a wellbeing ambassador at the City of Wolverhampton Council. The job was part-time, secured through the council’s recruitment agency YOO Recruit, and although Callum was performing very well and was a popular member of the team, there was no opportunity for the role to be extended once the project he was supporting ended.
Callum was referred to a work coach, Jayne, part of the Supported Employment Team, after he contacted Wolves at Work. The Supported Employment Team offer a bespoke service to support job seekers who have learning and physical disabilities into employment, alongside free support, advice and guidance for local employers to help them to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Callum already had strong customer service skills and was interested in pursuing a customer facing role, and Jayne suggested Wolverhampton Homes’ REACH work experience programme could help him to develop his skills in this area. After agreement from Callum she made a referral to the REACH team.
The REACH programme runs for six weeks, providing hands-on work experience for 18-24s in Wolverhampton, alongside one-to-one support to develop job searching and interview skills. Participants work with teams across Wolverhampton Homes, gaining an understanding of different roles and developing transferable skills. On successful completion of the programme, all participants receive a certificate and a laptop to help with their job search. Wolverhampton Homes also provide a reference which can be given to potential employers to demonstrate good timekeeping and commitment in completing the programme.
I spent my placement in the customer contact centre which I really enjoyed. After I'd finished the programme I got a call to let me know there were some vacancies coming up and asking if I'd like to apply as I'd done so well on my placement. I used the skills I'd learnt in the mock interview sessions and was so pleased when I was told I had got the job!
Callum Woodall
Jayne and Callum attended an initial information session and Callum was successful in gaining a place on the REACH programme. Gaining experience in the customer contact centre, Callum’s passion for supporting customers was obvious and he received positive feedback from the team leaders and his new colleagues about his placement. The opportunity with REACH was perfect for Callum as he could demonstrate and develop his skills over the six weeks, helping to increase his confidence. Callum was awarded a final mark of 100% for commitment and attendance, receiving a new Chromebook to reward his efforts!
Following completion of the programme, Callum began his job search. He didn’t need to look very far! Wolverhampton Homes had just started recruiting for Customer Service Advisors and he jumped at the chance to apply. Working with Jayne, and REACH employment coaches Vicky and Kelly, Callum received support with interview techniques including some tricky mock interviews to help him prepare. He did a great job on the day of his interview, receiving a job offer later that week, and started his new permanent role soon after.
Wolverhampton Homes’ REACH programme runs throughout the year. We are currently recruiting for our January 2024 intake. Find out more and apply:
For more information about the City of Wolverhampton Supported Employment service, visit the Wolves Workbox website: