Posted on Wednesday 20th November 2019
Harriet Pye is the latest to benefit from the Open Door programme
Hundreds of people are getting their foot on the career ladder with help from a work experience programme delivered by Staffordshire County Council.
Harriet Pye from Stafford is the latest person to benefit from the scheme having landed a position in the council’s Families First department.
Harriet, who has Multiple Sclerosis, did a series of twelve-week Open Door work placements before securing her position as a Business Support Officer in the team.
Harriet said:
“After spending six years in the recruitment industry, I was forced to change career because of the impact the job was having on my health.
“I was struggling to find a new career and it was only when a friend told me about the Open Door scheme that my luck started to change. I was ecstatic to be offered a placement and once in post I got the opportunity to learn lots of new skills whilst supporting various team members who all welcomed me in with open arms.
“Whilst on placement I also got the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies and was delighted to be interviewed and offered an administration job with the team.
“I love my work and I feel I am with my family, not a team. I would definitely encourage people to try out the Open Door programme. It’s a great way of getting a career which suits you.”
The Open Door programme, which was introduced in 2009, helps prepare people for the world of work by offering them a twelve week work experience placement. Over 1,100 people from across the county have already benefited from the programme so far.
The scheme provides work placements within council departments and external organisations depending on the candidates preferred area of work. During the placement people get valuable work experience which they can put on their CV, a reference from their manager, as well as access to certain training courses. People also get the opportunity to apply for any internally advertised jobs with the council.
Tony Baines, Assistant Director for Skills and Employability at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Our Open Door programme offers people a voluntary work experience placement within a wide variety of job roles and since launching has already helped over 1,100 people, many of whom have gone into paid employment.”
“The programme is available to anyone over 18 and focuses on helping people who face difficulties and barriers in finding work. This could include people with disabilities, mental health issues, ex-offenders, children leaving care, school leavers, and graduates.”
For further information on the Open Door Staffordshire scheme please contact 01785 854486 or email opendoor@staffordshire.gov.uk