The Steps 2 Success Programme has been launched at SERC in Downpatrick.
Attending the launch were Margret Ritchie, MP for South Down, Elaine Flynn, South Eastern Regional College and Reed in Partnership Programme Director Peter Brown.
The government’s Steps 2 Success employment programme launch was held at South Eastern Regional College’s Downpatrick campus last week.
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Pictured at the launch of the government’s Steps 2 Success employment programme are Elaine Flynn, SERC Steps to Success Programme Manager, South Down MP Margret Ritchie, and Reed in Partnership Programme Director Peter Brown.[/caption]
Steps 2 Success, which is being delivered in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Newcastle and Kilkeel by SERC on behalf of Reed in Partnership, is designed to support eligible benefit claimants to find and sustain long-term employment.
“The programme also supports the needs of employers by giving them access to suitable, job-ready candidates for their vacancies.
Ms Ritchie addressed the attendees and then toured the college and met with Employment Advisers and programme participants to see first-hand how the programme is being delivered in the community.
Ms Ritchie said: “I am delighted to attend the launch of the Steps 2 Success Programme in SERC College which represents a collaborative programme between the College and the Reed Partnership. Congratulations to all those involved in this partnership which aims to stimulate the local economy and provides training and employment opportunities for those who have been unemployed.
“This training programme is of vital importance for two specific reasons. Firstly, it brings benefit to the local economy in that it provides training to benefit claimants to ensure that they are ready for not only the employment market but that they actually find the work which suits their training, and secondly, employers are given access to well-trained candidates for job vacancies. Such a programme assists local businesses and makes a contribution to economic growth.
“Of equal importance is the need to ensure that employment opportunities – both in the public and private sector are made available; that new businesses are encouraged to locate their enterprises in the Down area, and that existing businesses are sustained in the current economic climate. It is important that all employment opportunities can be accessed by all trainees and others upon completion of their training”.
Elaine Flynn, SERCs Steps 2 Success Programme Manager, said: “SERC is working closely with a broad range of specialist and community organisations to deliver the Steps 2 Success programme to jobseekers in and around the southern region.
“This programme has the potential to really change lives, to build communities, to strengthen local economies, and we are proud to be a part of that.”
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