RVEF helps secure employment through Steps to Work

Cheers! Local business employs TWO through Steps to Work 

A local hospitality complex has recently recruited two young people through the Department for Employment and Learning's, Steps to Work programme, which is delivered throughout the Borough by Roe Valley Education Forum.

The Steps to Work programme provides the unemployed or economically inactive, 8 or 26 week work placements with businesses and community organisations across the Borough. The placements are a key ingredient in getting people back into work, offering participants structure to their day and opportunities to gain and improve their employability skills. 

Unable to secure permanent employment, Ryan O’Kane and Scott McIlmoyle joined the Department for Employment and Learning's Steps to Work, 8 week 'Back to Work' option.  With experience in the hospitality sector, Roe Valley Education Forum sourced relevant placements with The Corner Bar and Market Yard complex in Limavady’s town centre.

Danny Mitchell, The Corner Bar’s Manager said: 'These are the first Steps to Work placements the complex has provided for local young people. The programme offered the business an opportunity to ‘trial and train’ Ryan and Scott for FREE, in various aspects of operating a busy bar. Both participants progressed well in placement and we are delighted to offer both Ryan and Scott, permanent employment.’

Diane Rathfield, General Manager for Roe Valley Education Forum said: 'RVEF is delighted that another local business has experienced the benefits of recruiting and training potential staff for FREE, through the Steps to Work programme.  Businesses from all sectors, can benefit from this employability initiative and currently, with DEL’s Employer Subsidies still available to access, now is the perfect time for businesses to employ people out of work. ‘

If unemployed residents would like to find out more about The Steps To Work programme, or if local businesses wish to partner with RVEF in offering work placements and would like further details about the Department for Employment and Learning’s Employer Subsidy, call RVEF on 777 69469 or visit www.roevalleyeducationforum.org for further details.

It's the height of fashion to gain employment through Steps to Work

The popular Local Women magazine based in Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry, provided a Steps to Work Graduate Development Programme placement for local, unemployed graduate Niamh O'Kane. The graduate placement was a key ingredient in helping Niamh get into work since graduating last year.  Having achieved a First Degree in English, the Steps to Work Graduate Programme allowed Niamh to put her academic skills into the workplace.  It also gave her structure to the day, and an opportunity to gain and improve her employability skills.
 

Kim Kelly, editor for the Local Women Coleraine, magazine: 'As a business, we are always very keen to develop and nurture local talent.  Through Roe Valley Education Forum and the Steps to Work Graduate Programme, we were able to find a young and qualified person who was keen to develop a career in publishing. Niamh clearly demonstrated her creative flair for writing and produced a number of excellent articles for the magazine.  She quickly proved to the business that she had the transferable skills and flexible attitude, to carry out 'fashion' assignments to a high standard and within the tight deadlines we face. Without a doubt, Niamh is a real asset to our business.'

Niamh also commented: 'I am really delighted that Local Women has offered me full-time employment.  The Steps to Work Graduate Development Programme allowed me to gain work experience, relevant to my degree. The graduate programme is a proactive employability initiative which has provided me with the essential work skills and motivation to work in publishing.’

Diane Rathfield, General Manager for Roe Valley Education Forum said: “The Steps to Work Graduate Development Programme will only be available in Limavady for a very limited period.  I would urge graduates of all ages who are struggling to find employment, particularly in their specialist field, to seriously consider volunteering on the 26 week employability initiative. The programme provides participants with relevant work placements AND an opportunity to gain a NVQ Level 3 in Leadership and Management FREE of charge.’

Further details about the Steps to Work programme, FREE 8 or 26 week work placements are available by visiting our website www.roevalleyeducationforum.org, telephoning our offices on 777 69469 or emailing here.

It all adds up when using Steps to Work to secure employment

 A local accountancy business has employed a young graduate through the Steps to Work Graduate Development Programme strand.

Limavady accountancy firm ‘MMC Accounts’ on Linenhall Street, Limavady recently provided a Steps to Work Graduate Development Programme placement for local, unemployed graduate Cathal McCloskey. The graduate placement was a key ingredient in helping Cathal, get into work since graduating over a year ago.  Having achieved his degree in Business Studies, the Steps to Work Graduate Programme allowed Cathal to put his academic skills into the workplace.  It also gave him structure to his day, and an opportunity to gain and improve employability skills. 

Martin McCullagh, MMC Accounts’ business owner said: 'We were delighted to offer a placement for a local unemployed graduate, and Cathal’s degree and academic knowledge matched the type of development work we required for the business to grow.  Cathal obviously had the academic skills, however the placement allowed him to gain the ‘hands-on’ practical skills needed in a business environment.'

Cathal also commented: 'I am really delighted that MMC Accounts has offered me employment.  The Steps to Work Graduate Development Programme allowed me to gain relevant work experience, matched to my degree. Without this opportunity, I would probably have had to leave the area, in order to gain employment.  I would encourage graduates who haven’t been successful in finding work, to seriously consider volunteering onto the Steps to Work graduate strand through RVEF.’

Diane Rathfield, General Manager for Roe Valley Education Forum said: “Without doubt, Limavady Borough continues to suffer from ‘brain drain’.  Many graduates are finding it impossible to find work locally, and as such, are moving to other larger towns and cities across the province to find employment.  We are delighted that a local business was keen to use local talent to help develop their business.  The Steps to Work Graduate Development Programme has demonstrated that the employability programme can offer a ‘lifeline’ into sustainable employment for local people.’

Unemployed graduates (of any age) who would like to find out more about The Steps To Work Graduate Development Programme, can call RVEF on 777 68094 or visit the website www.roevalleyeducationforum.org for further details.

Transform your furniture with a make-over!

......and another one we transformed earlier!

Not only can our Roe Valley Community Services team create wonderful bespoke furniture, but we can also give your furniture a new lease of life!  Your furniture will be stripped, sanded, primed and professionally sprayed using quality furniture paints.  From stools to sideboards, tables to wardrobes - our workshop team promise to give your furniture a professional make-over that wont break the bank.  Further details available by calling 777 687 63. 

Like our Facebook page for updates on all the great work carried out by our talented guys in the workshop.

Dig this....another local business employs through the Steps to Work programme

Local arable farmer Richard Kane employs 

Steps to Work client

Myroe arable farmer Richard Kane, has recently recruited a young person through the Department for Employment and Learning's, Steps to Work programme.

The Steps to Work programme provides the unemployed or economically inactive, 8 or 26 week work placements with businesses and community organisations across the Borough. The placements are a key ingredient in getting people back into work, offering participants structure to their day and opportunities to gain and improve their employability skills.  

Unable to secure employment, Curtis decided to get his career back on track by completing the Department for Employment and Learning's Steps to Work, 8 week 'Back to Work' option.  Living in Myroe where access to public transport is very limited, Curtis fortunately, was able to source his own placement with Richard Kane -closer to home.  

Richard Kane said: 'This is the first Steps to Work placement we have offered. Curtis provided valuable farm labouring support at a key time of the year for my business.  We are delighted to offer Curtis employment, as he has shown both commitment to the business and willingness to work.'

Curtis also commented: 'Since finishing school, I have found it very difficult finding employment.  With few public transport links, especially in the Myroe area, being offered a job close to home - has made a huge difference.  I'm grateful for the support Richard has given me through the programme and for offering me employment' .

Diane Rathfield, General Manager for Roe Valley Education Forum said: ' As Limavady continues to experience high unemployment especially amongst young people, we are delighted that another local business has experienced the benefits of recruiting and training potential staff, through Steps to Work programme.' 

If unemployed residents would like to find out more about The Steps To Work programme, or if local businesses wish to partner with RVEF in offering work placements and would like further details about the Employer’s Subsidy, call RVEF on 777 69469 or visit http://www.roevalleyeducationforum.org/steps_to_work.html for further details.

FREE 'Alcohol Awareness' event for teenagers in Limavady Borough

Limavady fashion retailer employs through the Steps to Work programme

Limavady based fashion retailer has recently recruited a young person through the Department for Employment and Learning's Steps to Work programme.

The Steps to Work programme provides the unemployed or economically inactive, 8 or 26 week work placements with businesses and community organisations across the Borough. The placements are a key ingredient in getting people back into work, offering participants structure to their day and opportunities to gain and improve their employability skills.  

Unable to secure permanent employment, Sinead decided to get her career back on track by completing the Department for Employment and Learning's Steps to Work programme.  Sinead chose to complete the 8 week 'Back to Work' placement option.   

Jackie Moore, business owner of 'New About Towne' on Market Street, Limavady said: 'This is the first Steps to Work placement we have offered.  We are delighted to offer Sinead employment on completion of the programme, as she has clearly demonstrated the relevant work skills needed to run a busy fashion store.'


Sinead also commented: 'I am over-the-moon that New About Towne has offered me permanent employment. With very few jobs available in the Limavady area, the Steps to Work programme has given me the opportunity to at last, get my foot on the career ladder.  The placement has given me structure and purpose to my day.' 

If unemployed residents would like to find out more about The Steps To Work programme, or if local businesses would like to partner with RVEF in offering work placements and would like further details about the Employer’s Subsidy, call RVEF on 777 69469 or visit http://www.roevalleyeducationforum.org/steps_to_work.html for further details.

What's the big swing with our 'Community Service's' team?

The sun and heat has got everyone outside enjoying their garden's! 

Roe Valley Community Services' wood works team have certainly been cutting the grain recently and creating stunning pieces of garden furniture in our local workshop.  Our solid wood adult swing seat is a great example of our team's craftsmanship.  Made from locally sourced (and locally grown) pressurised wood and adjustable galvanised chain, this garden seat will bring years of enjoyment!

Our standard adult swing seat is available without the trellising and can also be made to your specification.  Standard size is 7ft wide by 7ft high!  And if you want something for your little ones, mini swing seats are also available to order.  Further details available from the workshop by calling 777 687 63.

Our 'environmental teams' are full throttle, maintaining gardens across the Roe Valley

Do you have an elderly friend or relative who physically struggles to maintain their garden? Would you like them to enjoy their garden more - and as much as you would like to help, you have little spare time due to work and family commitments?

Our 'environmental teams' keep gardens large and small - looking great all year round!

Roe Valley Community Services offers FREE quotations for all garden maintenance jobs.  Plus, NO JOB TOO SMALL (or too big!).  For further details contact the Community Services team on 777 687 63.

Steps to Work client gains employment with her work placement provider

Roe Valley Education Forum is delighted that Limavady based business 'EK Rentals', has offered a Steps to Work client employment - after completing her 26 week 'Qualification Option' on Friday 5th July.

Since being made redundant in 2008 and unable to secure permanent employment, Kelly decided to get her career back on track by completing the Department for Employment's Steps to Work programme.  

The Steps to Work programme provides the unemployed or economically inactive, 8 or 26 week work placements with businesses and community organisations across the Borough. The placements are a key ingredient in getting people back into work, offering participants structure to their day and opportunities to gain and improve their employability skills. 

Kelly chose to complete the 26 week work placement option, during which, she would aim to achieve a Level 2 NVQ Qualification in Customer Services.  Roe Valley Education Forum also matched Kelly's skills, to a placement available at EK Rentals in Limavady town - giving her the opportunity to gain relevant work experience to make her more employable.  

Eamonn Kelly, EK Rentals' business owner said: 'We have actively partnered with Roe Valley Education Forum over the last 4 years, offering a variety of Steps to Work placements for those currently out of work.  We are delighted to offer Kelly employment on completion of the programme, as she has clearly demonstrated the relevant work skills needed to run a busy office.'

Kelly also commented: 'I am delighted that EK Rentals has offered me employment.  The Steps to Work programme has given me structure and purpose to my day.  I have gained and improved my employability skills, PLUS, achieved a level 2 qualification at no cost to me.' 

If unemployed residents would like to find out more about The Steps To Work programme, or if local businesses would like to partner with RVEF in offering work placements and would like further details about the Employer’s Subsidy, call RVEF on 777 68094 or visit http://www.roevalleyeducationforum.org/steps_to_work.html for further details.

Coming soon to Northern Ireland

If you want to gain qualifications and relevant work experience, contact Roe Valley Education Forum BEFORE the Department for Employment and Learning's new employability programme is introduced next year!  Drop us a line on 777 69469 and speak to one of the team about how you can get back into work through RVEF.

Click the link below for a little more information about the Government's new employability programme 'Steps 2 Success'

Minister announces new employment programme Steps 2 Success (NI)

Unemployment rate in Northern Ireland continues to fall

Unemployment rate in Northern Ireland continues to fall

Change your life through training and work experience

Roe Valley Education Forum Changes Lives By Changing Minds

Are you unemployed, been made redundant or are a full-time ‘home-maker’? 

Would you like to get back into work, gain valuable work experience, achieve national qualifications in and get support with travelling and childcare costs?  

Roe Valley Education Forum can help you each step of the way to fulfilling your career ambitions.

The ‘Steps to Work’ 26 week ‘Essential Skills or Qualification’ options offer six months of valuable work experience with a local business and an opportunity to gain qualifications in English, Maths, ICT, Customer Services, Business Admin or IT.   You will also benefit from £15.38/week for volunteering onto the programme.  There is even support with travelling and childcare costs!*

Diane Rathfield, General Manager for Roe Valley Education Forum said: “By volunteering onto the Steps to Work programme, participants can gain qualifications AND valuable work experience.  Limavady Borough has been hit exceptionally hard during this continuing recession, and Steps to Work has offered the unemployed and economically inactive a ‘lifeline’ into sustainable employment.'

If you would like to find out more about The Steps To Work programme, or if local businesses would like to partner with RVEF in offering work placements, please call RVEF on 777 68094 or email here for further details.

* Support with childcare costs depends on personal circumstances.  Further details available from our team.

Need a little help to get you on the career ladder?

Are you unemployed, been made redundant or are a full-time ‘home-maker’? 

Would you like to get back into work, gain valuable work experience, achieve national qualifications in English, Maths, ICT, Customer Services and Business Administration and get support with travelling and childcare costs?  

Through the Department for Employment and Learning's 'Steps to Work', Roe Valley Education Forum can help you each step of the way to fulfilling your career ambitions.

Steps to Work offers the unemployed and economically inactive, a ‘lifeline’ into sustainable employment. If you fall into one of these categories, and you want to work but need a little support, there's still time to volunteer onto the Steps to Work programme. Call our Client Support Officers on 777 69469 or visit our website www.roevalleyeducationforum.org for further details.

Get creative with our range of furniture!

Our Wood Works team have launched a range of small furniture pieces, which you can finish to suit your decor!

Above is a very small sample of the quaint pieces of 'unfinished' furniture, which are primed and ready for you to paint using the wonderful Annie Sloan chalk paints or even gloss paint.  Let your imagination run riot and transform these into mini features in your home. 

Do you have a furniture design idea for your own home?

Our Wood Works team still provide a 'bespoke' furniture service.  Simply contact our workshop with measurements and  design idea and we'll provide you with a quote within a couple of days.  Upon agreement, we can hand-build your own furniture within a realistic time frame - depending on the size and complexity of the build.  

Further details on all our furniture for your home or garden are available by contacting the workshop on 777 687 63 or emailing rvcs@roevalleyeducationforum.org

Wood Works is moving to our workshop!

From Wednesday 3rd April 2013

Good morning folks - and it's a beautiful morning here in Limavady, Northern Ireland.  Just a short reminder that Wood Works will continue to provide bespoke home and garden furniture services, from our workshop in Aghanloo (2 miles from Limavady town).  All enquiries, please call 028 777 68763 or email rvcs@roevalleyeducationforum.org  Hope to see you soon!

The Workshop's Opening Hours:

Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm

Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm

Employer Subsidy STILL Available

There's help to pay wages!

Another good reason to offer a Steps to Work placement!  

For a limited period the Department for Employment and Learning is offering businesses who employ Steps to Work clients, an Employer Subsidy of up to £75 per week.  This is available for 26 weeks. The level of subsidy is determined by the age of the client and the number of hours employed (min 16hrs). Potentially, your business can avail of up to ONE YEAR, free and subsidised staffing. Further details about Steps to Work and DEL's Employer Subsidy are available from our Business Development Team on 777 69469 or email here.

Helping graduates step into their dream job

Are you ambitious and enthusiastic to kick-start a career? 

Do you want to stand out from the crowd?

RVEF’s Graduate Development Programme will keep you on track

 to stepping into your dream job!

• RVEF’s Graduate Development Programme will enhance employment opportunities for you
• Assist in sourcing relevant (to your degree) work placement
• Gain business experience AND achieve a recognised management qualification
• Support you in developing your managerial and leadership potential
• Help with travelling and childcare costs
• Weekly training bonus
• Allocated a personal tutor who will provide both online and telephone support, ensuring you successfully achieve the NVQ Level 3 in Management

For further details on our Graduate Development Programme email here or telephone our Client Support Officers on 028 777 69469.

Training young people on the Department for Employment and Learning's 'YES' Programme

The emphasis of Youth Employment Scheme (YES) is to up-skill young people and provide them with opportunities to achieve additional (or build on existing) qualifications while on placement.  If your business currently provides a placement for a YES client, you will be expected to source and provide approximately 150 hours training relevant to the occupation of the placement.

The good news is the Department for Employment and Learning will contribute up to £750 to cover these training costs!  Even better news, Roe Valley Education Forum can provide a range of suitable courses for YES participants.  These include:

 Customer Services

Retail

IT 

Business Admin

Further details are available from our Business Development Team on 777 69469 or click here to email direct.