Construction and engineering receives a boost

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has invested a further £250,000 in its successful career chain programme, which aims to help individuals and businesses facing redundancy in the engineering and construction sectors.

This latest financial boost comes as a result of a huge demand for the service since the recession began, taking emda’s total investment in the scheme up to £2.2million. The career chain service was developed in response to the economic downturn and is run on emda’s behalf by The NE Group. Since its launch in early 2009, it has helped 1,007 individuals and 63 businesses from across the East Midlands.

Workers facing redundancy have received support in updating their CVs, writing tailored application letters, and understanding different job search techniques. Many have also accessed career advice and training sessions to improve their interview skills. As a result, almost half of those that have received assistance have now gone on to secure alternative employment.

For companies looking to reduce their workforce due to difficult trading conditions, career chain has provided immediate support and tailored programmes to enhance business performance and minimise the impact of redundancy. By bringing in other partners - such as Job Centre Plus and Business Link - and offering a free recruitment service to employers through an interactive online job matching system called CWeb, career chain has played a vital role in retaining the skills and expertise of engineering and construction workers in the region.

Andrew Morgan, emda’s skills and communities director said: “We have had a phenomenal response to the career chain service which is why we are investing this additional funding. It will help more people and businesses access the support they need during these difficult times and prevent the loss of a skilled workforce that will be essential as the East Midlands prepares for the economic upturn.”