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.