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April 15, 2008
Aylsham, Norwich, UK:
Finding the delicate balance of skill and expertise in any organization is
always a challenge. But at Strongbar Ltd., a company located 30
minutes north-east of Norwich and several hours from London, the challenge
can be particularly daunting.
"Finding precision engineers can be difficult at the best of times," commented Paul
Raven, Account Manager at Strongbar Ltd., “but in our specialty industry,
it can seem almost impossible at times.”
One of the main reasons for the challenge is the increasingly smaller and
smaller pool of skilled labour in the local area to draw upon, especially
young people. "In our business," continued Paul, "it is not so much
about finding people who already have the necessary skills as it is about
finding the people who are prepared to learn the necessary skills."
Strongbar specializes in the centreless grinding and precision manufacturing
of case-hardened linear shafting and guide bar. Some of the products are
more akin to "art" than "steel." It takes a very delicate touch to succeed
in this demanding business. And it takes a certain type of person.
The company turned to the community for help, and in particular, to the Jobcentre
Plus location in North Walsham to find out what services might be available in
the search for new talent. Representatives from Strongbar sat down with their
Local Labour Market Recruitment Advisor (LLMRA) to learn about some of the services
offered to employers, including the Work Trials program and other potential
incentives available in association with the British government’s “New Deal for
Young People.”
"Work Trials were particularly appealing for Strongbar," said Paul. "A young
person could work for us for up to three weeks which allowed us time to judge
whether they were of the right caliber, plus it gave them a chance to see what
the job involved. In addition, as part of the New Deal initiative, we were
entitled to a wage subsidy for 26 weeks and a training grant."
The LLRMA for North Walsham said “Work Trials are not only for those people
who are on New Deal but also for anyone who has been out of work for more
than 6 months. [From] the employer’s perspective, Work Trials give them the
chance to see how the candidate performs in the work place and how they fit
in with their existing workforce. It really is a win, win situation."
The efforts immediately bore encouraging results. Enter Andrew Fisher – an
unemployed 22-year old who, despite numerous other applications, found
it difficult and frustrating to find work. Andrew accepted a work trial at
Strongbar and was pleased with the experience. “I really liked the work and
was delighted when, following the trial period, I was offered the job."
Andrew added "I would really like to thank my New Deal adviser Vanessa at the
Jobcentre, she was brilliant. She spent time with me to help me find out
what I wanted to do. Now I have a job and I am due to undertake an
apprenticeship."
Asked to comment on the experience, Paul said "Strongbar would definitely take
on another person using Work Trials, especially if they were as keen as Andrew."
Pictured From Left to Right:
Vanessa (North Walsham Jobcentre), Paul
(Account Manager, Strongbar) and
new trainee Andrew Fisher.
For more information, please contact:
Strongbar Limited
Telephone: 01263 734034
Website:
www.strongbar.co.uk
North Walsham Jobcentre Plus
GPO Building, Kings Arms Street
North Walsham, Norfolk, United Kingdom NR28 9JX
Telephone: 01692 605200
Website:
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
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