JET Business programme takes off - providing enhanced back-to-work support for unemployed residents

Stoke-on-Trent’s Jobs, Enterprise and Training (JET) service has been relaunched to expand the support it can offer to residents and employers. 

As part of the council's commitment to economic growth, the new JET Business programme will focus on helping people who are looking to re-enter the jobs market and work with those who need extra support and confidence when searching for work.

It will be co-ordinated by the JET Business team, which is made up of professional employment and skills consultants with extensive knowledge of the local area and its recruitment requirements.

The aim is to build on the back of the original JET programme, which, since 2009, has supported more than 10,000 residents with employment advice.  

The focus of JET Business is to help residents access the guidance, training and opportunities they need to move into sustainable, long-term employment.

Alongside supporting individuals, JET Business will provide a fully funded recruitment service to help businesses find the right candidates for their vacancies.

The team also delivers dedicated redundancy support, offering guidance to organisations and their workforce during periods of change.

Schools can also benefit from expert input, including labour market information, CV support, interview advice and mock interview sessions.

With established relationships with many major employers across the city, the team is well placed to connect local people with local opportunities.

The new-look programme keys into the Government’s wider Get Britain Working agenda, which is an ambition for a thriving labour market where everyone has the opportunity to access good jobs - Get Britain Working

Locally, this is being co-ordinated by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council, Jobcentre Plus and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board. It also incorporates projects such as Connect to Work, which has been set up to help disabled people, those with health conditions and people with complex barriers to employment, to find sustainable work.   

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “The JET service has played a vital role in improving employability skills, removing barriers and connecting people to meaningful work for more than a decade.

“Through the new JET Business programme we can offer even stronger support to people looking to re-enter the job market quickly, as well as those who need extra help and confidence building when searching for work.

“It is also good news for businesses, as the team will work closely with employers to match suitable candidates - equipped with the right skills and training - to their job requirements.”

To find out more about JET Business, call 01782 231215 or email Jet2work@stoke.gov.uk.