Project tackles barriers to work in Bradford

A Yorkshire charity is expanding its support for women seeking employment in Bradford.

Smart Works, which provides free interview clothing and coaching, is opening a new project in the city after securing funding from Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation’s Building Bradford Skills Fund. 

The initiative will begin with Bradford’s first Women Into Work Jobs Fair at Bradford City Football Club on September 25.

This follows research with more than 200 women across the district, which revealed low confidence, limited work experience and language barriers as the biggest obstacles to employment. 

Smart Works Leeds, which has already supported over 3000 women since 2019, will oversee the Bradford expansion and deliver tailored workshops covering confidence, digital skills, CV writing and interview techniques.

Lottie Roberts, outreach manager at Smart Works Leeds, said: “We are so proud and excited to launch our Bradford project with help from Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation and host our Women Into Work Bradford Jobs Fair, an event to connect women to prospective employers directly.

“Our clients often tell us that job application processes are confusing, that they struggle to find opportunities, and that it is really hard to get in front of employers.

“Through this event, attendees will be able to find out more about the rich range of vacancies available in Bradford and surrounding areas and speak to top employers, to get advice about making applications and furthering their job search.

“It is an honour to do an event on this scale for the women of Bradford. 

“As we build our outreach efforts across the district over the next three years, we are committed to working with women in Bradford to build their confidence, supporting them to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.”

The Building Bradford Skills Fund, backed by a £1 million investment from the Society, supports charities providing targeted employment and skills initiatives across the city.

Erin Fuller, trustee of Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, added: “We’re proud to support Smart Works’ expansion into Bradford through Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation’s Building Bradford Skills Fund. 

“This £1 million fund was created to help address challenges around skills and employment that many communities in Bradford face. 

“By enabling established charities like Smart Works to deliver targeted support in the areas that need it most, we’re helping to build a stronger, more prosperous future for the district.

“Smart Works’ focus on empowering local women, by improving access to employment support and building confidence will not only help their individual clients, but help identify and overcome barriers to employment faced by many in our communities. 

“We look forward to seeing the difference Smart Works will make in Bradford over the coming years.”

To find out more about the Women Into Work Jobs Fair or to register, visit leeds.smartworks.org.uk or simply attend on the day. The event runs from 10am to 2pm.

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