Member Article

Your Homes give tenants vital work experience

Tenants at Your Homes Newcastle have been given the opportunity to get back into the workplace by one of the UK’s leading employers.

Sainsbury’s Supermarket are now working closely with tenants, many of whom are long-term unemployed, to drive employment and skills agenda in the region.

At the supermarket in Gosforth tenants have learnt key customer skills, good practices in the workplace, dealing with complaints and have linked with existing members of staff to fain an insight into working on the shop floor.

They were also given the opportunity to take part in mock interviews, and were advised on application and interview techniques. It is hoped that this will give them the confidence to apply for jobs and an insight into successfully gaining employment.

Stuart Clarke, Customer Involvement Officer at YHN, said: “It has been a really successful programme and highlights the importance of partnership working – especially with big employers such as Sainsbury’s.

“At YHN we don’t just provide houses. It’s about creating sustainable communities, supporting tenants and ultimately having an impact on the North East economy.”

Rob Wingate, Store Trainer at Sainsbury’s in Gosforth, added: “We are passionate about working with the community and this has been a great project for our store to be involved in.

“Everyone involved has shown real enthusiasm and a strong work ethic throughout the training and I’m sure the skills they have developed will help them in their search for employment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .