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.