Coventry City Council’s Job Shop has officially opened in its new home, following a celebratory launch event which took place on Wednesday 10 July.
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. After four months of hard work from staff and a settling in period, the Job Shop hosted a celebratory launch event to mark the special occasion.
The event was attended by Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, along with employers, former customers partners and Coventry City Council staff.
After insightful speeches from the three councillors, a ribbon cutting took place led by Councillor Duggins to formally mark the opening on the new shop. There were then speeches from employers at both The Hill Group and Hotel Indigo. Two customers who had gone onto success following support from the Job Shop also returned to deliver powerful speeches.
Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council said: “What a brilliant day it was for our city to officially open our fantastic new Job Shop. It looks fantastic in its new location and is ready to continue the amazing work it does for the people of Coventry.
“The success of the Job Shop would not have been possible without the dedicated team that works here today – and those who have played a part over the years. They are dedicated to helping people. They are a team, and they regard themselves as a family which is clear to see. They have been amazing. I look forward to watching the Job Shop’s success story continue for many more years.”
To date, over 60,000 people have registered with the Job Shop, whilst over 15,000 residents have been supported into local employment. 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 Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council said: “I am delighted to see this great new facility in our city. The Job Shop and the amazing team that works here have had such a positive impact on Coventry residents over the years.
“To see our much-loved Job Shop become an even better, more visible force in the city makes me very proud. It will be exciting to watch the Job Shop continue to grow and flourish in this great central location”.
With 19 large digital promotion screens and a 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 Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: "By attracting investment we can build a better future for everyone, and that is why this Job Shop is so valuable to us all and why it deserves to be at the heart of the city it is helping to create.
“From this hi-tech new site, the Job Shop will grow its work in supporting over 200 companies - from multi-national businesses to local family firms. It will help them to recruit and to grow, and their success will attract and inspire others who will see what a brilliant place Coventry is. Congratulations to everyone on all the Job Shop has achieved.”
Keep up to date with the Job Shop on social media:
Facebook: @CoventryJobShop
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