Developers pledge jobs and training to Wandsworth's unemployed

Some 440 job and training opportunities are to be created in the borough of Wandsworth over the next few years, thanks to developers. The opportunities will be made available to unemployed individuals living in the borough thanks to a new agreement.

Jobs will be made available throughout the next ten years through the Wandsworth Workmatch service. The service will provide a steady stream of jobs to suitable candidates over that time. Currently, the first job vacancies have be filled, but a further nine jobs are now being advertised.

People will be able to apply for jobs at a range of development sites, including Riverlight, Battersea Power Station, Sainsbury's Garratt Lane, Embassy Garden and Putney Plaza. It is hoped that as the number of developments using the service to fill vacancies begins to grow, so to will the number of jobs on offer.

Leader of Wandsworth Council and co-chair of the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership, Ravi Govvindia, said that the use of the new developments in this way could help residents within the borough enter jobs that could lead to lasting careers and new skills. Although many of the opportunities will not be available straight away, eventually many jobs will be made available to those needing them.

"The council is securing a local employment commitment from each developer as part of their planning consent but that is only the first step. The more difficult part is to ensure local unemployed people are matched to these opportunities and that they are fully prepared when the chance arises," the councillor continued.

"It's no good putting candidates forward unless they are right for the role and can make a success of it and that's where our new Wandsworth Workmatch team comes in. They screen and vet local candidates carefully before they apply - making sure they are ready and willing."

So far the pledged opportunities for unemployed residents include traineeships for 16 to 24 year-olds, full apprenticeships for those aged 16 to 24 to help start a career, job opportunities without any age restrictions and trainee positions for over 25s.

Published 5th September, 2013

© 2013 Estates IT Limited