Workplace is a recruitment centre in Newham that is committed to helping employers find the right local people to work for them and to supporting local people who want those jobs. Our free service is on offer to Newham residents and employers across London.
Role Call
November 23, 2011
There are many reasons why finding work can be a challenge.
A skills gap, lack of experience or confidence and other
barriers can make getting a job a job in itself. If you need a
helping hand or support and guidance Workplace can get you
on the road to employment.
The council’s job brokerage service matches employees with employers. At offices in Stratford, East Ham and Canning Town you can speak to a trained advisor who will look at your individual requirements. If you have barriers that are preventing you from finding a job, Workplace will identify these and you can get help with managing or overcoming them.
When Saadia Patel visited Workplace she had not worked for almost ten years. She’d fallen seriously ill after having a number of strokes. Her illness had a profound impact on her life, making it difficult for her to find employment.
Saadia said: “This is my first paid job since 2002. I could not have got this opportunity without the help and support of Workplace. My personal adviser worked with me to identify the right roles and helped me to develop my self confidence and skills.” Saadia is now employed by Waitrose as a welcome host and quick check cashier.
As well as working with some of the borough’s biggest employers, Workplace has strong links within the construction industry. BeOnsite is a recruitment and training company set up by Lend Lease who are responsible for building the Athletes’ Village. Staff from BeOnsite contacted Workplace when they were looking to recruit a team of Water Hygiene Operatives (WHO).
The specialist role requires people to regularly flush water through infrequently used outlets in the Athletes’ Village – a health and safety requirement. A number of candidates, eager to work but unable to find employment were recruited to the posts. The employees have a range of disabilities including physical and learning difficulties, anxiety and visual impairments. Specialist organisations such as Newco, who assist disabled people into employment, worked with Workplace to support applicants through the BeOnsite recruitment process.