Coventry City Council’s Job Shop will mark its official opening on Wednesday 10 July at a celebratory launch event.
The Job Shop moved to its new home at West Orchards Shopping Centre back in March this year, as part of the City Centre South Development. This move was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in agreement with the West Midlands Combined Authority.
To date, over 60,000 people have registered with the Job Shop, whilst over 15,000 residents have been supported into local employment.
The Job Shop was the brainchild of Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, which first came to fruition in March 2012 as part of the Council’s Jobs Strategy to help local people find work.
With an average of over 150 customers a day, the Job Shop remains an integral part of the Employment, Skills and Adult Education offering at Coventry City Council, supporting residents through their own employment and education pathway.
Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council said: “I believe the success of the Job Shop is largely due to its dedicated staff. When we set out on the Jobs Strategy, the Job Shop became part of it and it's the staff that have made it work. They are friendly, they are a team, and they regard themselves as a family which is clear to see. They have been amazing”.
“The Job Shop has continued to serve the residents of Coventry enabling access to local employment whilst ensuring businesses are able to recruit and upskill their employees through key education and training partners".
With 19 large digital screens and a newly installed multi language customer sign in system, the new shop is now able to serve even more of its residents and continue to support over 200 local businesses.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council said: “The Job Shop has had such a positive impact on Coventry residents over the years. The wide range of support available and the excellent standards of coaching and practical advice has significantly improved the lives of so many residents. Watching the Job Shop continue to grow and flourish in its central location is very exciting.”
Putting the hub in hub and spoke, the Job Shop provides a valuable gateway into education, employment, and training opportunities, whilst encouraging residents to utilise its many partners in and around the city.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: "Due to the redevelopment of city centre south the Job Shop has relocated once more to a custom fitted shop, offering a market leading bespoke employment support service to its customers.
"It is crucial to have a base in the city centre so that residents, no matter where they live in the city, can get there in only a short walk, bus ride or car journey. Since employment significantly improves people's lives, the services provided by the Job Shop are essential and highly valued, and I have no doubt that it will continue to prosper in its much better location”.
Keep up to date with more news on the Job Shop’s relocation by following:
@CoventryJobShop on Facebook or @covjobsupport on X.
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