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Since January this year, the Thwaites Empire Theatre has been taking part in a national employment training scheme aimed at giving local people a break back into the world of work.

Kaval Singh and Johnny Symes are two of the first people in Blackburn with Darwen to take part in the Future Job Funds Scheme.   They've been made famous this week in The Shuttle produced by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Communication department and distributed across the community:

Johnny Symes and Kaval Singh

 

 

Back On Track in the Jobs World

Last year, Blackburn with Darwen council and other Pennine Lancashire authorities successfully bid for government funding to create hundreds of jobs to get young people back into work.

After becoming a victim to the collapse of Woolworths, where he has been working as a supervisor, Johnny Symes, 24, from Great Harwood, turned to the Jobcentre Plus for help with his next move.

He says: "They advised me about the Future Jobs Fund and told me about the opportunity at Thwaites Empire Theatre. It was the first job I heard about and the first one I was offered so it worked out well. I started here as a volunteer in December before starting my contract in January."

Kaval Singh, 24, from Billinge, has also taken up a Future Jobs Fund post at the theatre. He says: "I'm a sparky by trade but was made redundant last summer. I did some volunteering at the theatre for six months before starting my contract here vie Future Jobs Fund.

"I've been working on the sound, lighting and electrical maintenance for the theatre - prepping for the shows and even standing in to work the sound desk during performances. I'm really into sound and music and thought this would be a good place to start."

Says Johnny: "My degree was in TV Production so I'm quite into the technical side of things as well but I've been working mainly in the box office and doing front of house as well as welcoming customers."

"It's been a different kind of experience but one I'm really enjoying. I'm learning new skills which I can add to my CV."

Adds Kaval: "I've found it particularly interesting here as it's very much in the line with what I want to do with my life. I'm really into music and want to eventually set up my own events company."

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity. It's great to get up in the morning knowing that I'm going to getting paid for doing something that I enjoy and that is going to stand me in good stead for the future."

Adds Johnny "For me, I had to give up a lot when I lost my job but now I have money in my back pocket and the breathing space to work out what my next step is. I'm so grateful for the opportunity."

The Pennine Lancashire authorities worked together to bid for cash from the Future Jobs Fund.

£4.5m funding has been secured to guarantee work or training for every 18 to 24 years old at risk of becoming long term unemployed.

Placements are available in a wide range of areas, including sport and play development, leisure, parks, maintenance and youth work.

 

Article reproduced by kind permission of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Release Date: Tuesday 23 March 2010