New service for redundant workers already a flying success
Boomerang, the brainchild of freshbaked group managing director Richard Matthews, has already got over fifty people on its books since it was unveiled two weeks ago.
Utilising the expertise and networks of the training and development divisions within the freshbaked Group, the programme offers training and professional qualifications, whether it be in management, personal development, business excellence or information technology; and added value support with access to training resources, access to employer networks, a dedicated social networking site and helpline.
Says Mr Matthews: “Unfortunately redundancy has already become a reality for thousands of Welsh workers and as times get tougher more will be faced with the challenge of finding a new job. We have found that the main priority for those that have been made redundant is to maximise their chances to get back to work as soon as possible. The Boomerang programme aims to do exactly this by providing the essential skills, support, networks and opportunities needed to get back on the career ladder."
Utilising up to £2,500 of funding through the Welsh Assembly Government’s ReAct scheme both those that have been made redundant and employers taking on these people will benefit from the new Boomerang programme.
Continues Matthews: “Through the ReAct initiative funding is available to the person who has been made redundant and also to the employers in Wales looking to recruit individuals who have been made redundant so that they can fund training to support the transition of new employees into their workforce.”
In order to inform people about the scheme and its benefits, a dedicated team of training experts will soon be visiting towns across Wales and organisations making redundancies through a Boomerang roadshow.
Adds Matthews: “Having worked with countless organisations over the years, we know from experience the skills employers are looking for and as such we’ve developed a suite of workshops designed to equip those recently made redundant with the necessary skills to get back into employment quickly. Research shows that people who are laid off in this country typically take 20 weeks to find a new job, but those who take the proactive steps of undertaking the Boomerang programme will undoubtedly be placed much quicker.”
For those people that decide not to go back into employment, it is hoped that the Boomerang scheme will foster a hotbed of talent where budding entrepreneurs can combine their skills and resources to create new businesses of their own.
With the right support and direction Wales will see a new wave of businesses emerging from the current economic downturn.
For more information on the Boomerang programme visit www.freshbaked.co.uk/boomerang or call 02920 491491. |
