Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Work Club have been given a funding boost by retail developer Hammerson who are the new official sponsor of the adult employment programme based at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
The Leeds Rhinos Foundation Work Club is designed to help job seekers improve their chances of finding employment by improving their skills, run by Adult Learning Officer Jaci Hawkins and volunteers from British Gas.
Since its launch in January 2014, over 104 Work Club sessions have taken place and over 180 attendees have been supported through the club. The Work Club focuses on supporting unemployed Leeds residents in the North Leeds area.
Support provided at the Work Club includes, CV writing and checking, support with registering on job searching agencies and preparing for interviews.
New partner Hammerson, the retail developer behind Leeds’ newest shopping destination, Victoria Gate and owners of the Victoria Quarter, will also be hosting employment roadshows across Leeds during June to provide people with information on current and forthcoming job opportunities at Victoria Gate.
Leeds Rhinos star Josh Walters, will be helping to promote the forthcoming employment roadshows by appearing at the Chapeltown event on the 8th June, which will be followed by further roadshows at in Leeds city centre and Middleton.
At its launch in the autumn, Victoria Gate will deliver up to 1000 retail, hospitality and customer services roles alongside training and additional opportunities for the local community. As part of the roadshow, Leeds City Council will also be on hand to offer CV support and interview guidance.
James Rogers, Community Manager at Hammerson, said:
“We are committed to supporting employment opportunities in the city to ensure that the community benefits from the scheme. The purpose of the Victoria Gate sponsorships and donations are to support local organisations and projects that develop the employment skills and experience of young people and we’re pleased to be able to provide these opportunities for Leeds residents.”
Dan Busfield, Partnership Manager at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Hammersons and more importantly to offer the community a fantastic service. People from across local communities in Leeds can access our Work Club to gain support and guidance in seeking employment and developing appropriate skills with our adult learning team.