Alternative route to work

There are a number of clubs, events and activities in the Chad area which help people get back on their feet.

As part of our weekly feature on the Getting Mansfield and Ashfield Working Campaign, Chad takes a closer look at the process.

Shoun Gilder (33), moved to Mansfield from London to live with his partner but was unable to transfer from his previous job and was out of work for a couple of months.

He attended one of Nottinghamshire County Council’s work clubs where he gained the help and confidence he needed to get a job at Mansfield Bus Station as a customer service operative.

He said: “The work clubs helped me find a job that I really love. The people at the clubs really helped me improve my confidence and move in the right direction.

“It is a really friendly atmosphere where you can access a range of local job information.

“If it was not for the clubs I would have found it much harder and it is definitely much better than sitting at home searching for jobs alone.”

Shoun assists passengers and customers by dealing with any of their enquiries and ensuring that everything is running smoothly.

He said he would encourage people to go along and give the clubs a chance as it helps break down the personal barriers to finding work.

They provide an opportunity to meet other people looking for work to share job hunting experiences and build new contacts.

The clubs take place every week at Hucknall Library every Thursday from 3.30pm-5.30pm, Kirkby Library every Friday from 10am-noon and Mansfield Library every Wednesday from 10am-noon.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Futures also provide professional career advice to local people through work clubs and group sessions.

They take place at Mansfield Library and cover topics such as CV writing, interview techniques and job hunting.

Two jobs fairs will also take place in Ashfield and Mansfield. The Ashfield Jobs Fair will be held at Festival Hall Leisure Centre, Kirkby, on 19th September from 10am-3pm.

The Mansfield Jobs Fair will be held at Mansfield Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield, on 26th September from 11am-4pm.

The Getting Mansfield and Ashfield Working campaign was put together by Mansfield Area Strategic Partnership (MASP) to raise awareness of the support available for jobseekers in Ashfield and Mansfield.

Each week the Chad will feature advice from partner members on everything from graduate employment to work experience and presentation skills.

For more information on any of the above phone Mansfield District Council on 01623 463 165.