Tuesday 24 September 2013

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.

Monday 9 September 2013

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.

Monday 2 September 2013

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.