Member Article

Get Fit for Work helps teenagers land employment

Nordic Pioneer’s Get Fit for Work programme has helped two teenagers in the Tees Valley to successfully secure employment.

18 year-old Sean Graigs, from Hartlepool, took part in the scheme which has helped him to land a full-time position as a warehouse operative at outsourcing solutions provider Respondez.

The Get Fit for Work scheme consisted of one-week boot camps to give 16 to 18 year-olds the chance to get involved in various activities with the aim of boosting their employability.

The course enabled Sean to develop his communication and team work skills, which gave him a significant boost in his interview.

He said: “I’m pleased I took part in the scheme as it gave me the opportunity to enhance my CV and understand what an employer is looking for. The course covered different areas and gave me an insight into what to expect in an interview and how to prepare for it.

“The course environment was relaxed and very enjoyable, enabling me to increase my confidence. I am thoroughly enjoying my new job and I hope to stay here for the foreseeable future.”

Emma Whitfield, fromDarlington, was introduced to the course through Avanta Enterprise’s youth employment programme. After pre-screening Emma, Avanta felt she would excel during the course, and as a result she has become a cleaning and environmental services apprentice with_Nordic_ Pioneer.

The teenager, who has just turned 19, said: “I’m really pleased Avanta recommended the Get Fit for Work programme to me. If I hadn’t attended the course I wouldn’t have found an apprenticeship that was suitable for me.

“I attended college but I found it wasn’t the right approach and I wanted something that was more hands on. The apprenticeship is perfect; I really enjoy it and I am learning lots of new skills.”

Dave Knox, assessor at Nordic Pioneer, said: “I am delighted that Sean and Emma have secured full-time employment after they worked so hard during the Get Fit for Work course.

“I found that Sean was a polite and intelligent individual who was keen to learn and gain experience in a field he is interested in. I wish them both the very best during their new jobs and I am sure they will be a great asset to the team.”

Nordic Pioneer provides various apprenticeships and training programmes across theUKto help young people back into employment.

For more information about the courses provided by Nordic Pioneer, call 01325 464800 or visit [www.nordicpioneer.co.uk](http://www.nordicpioneer.co.uk/? rel=).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey and Hugo .