A MULTI-MILLION pound employment and skills programme run by Bradford Council has reached an important milestone after placing 1,000 people in work.

The local authority has invested £10.5 million to help raise employment and skills levels across the district under the Get Bradford Working programme.

Since the programme started in March 2013, an additional £6m has been invested from a range of partners including, Jobcentre Plus and Incommunities, as well as additional funding from the Leeds City Region through the City Deal. Some elements of the programme still have two years to run.

In that time one of the programmes - the Employment Opportunities Fund, which places people in subsidised jobs to ensure they are better equipped to compete in the labour market - has created more than 500 new jobs for unemployed people.

Colin McLeod, 20, from Gilstead, Bingley, is one of them. He had been unemployed since July 2013, despite having an accountancy qualification and hoping to find a job in the finance sector.

His lack of experience held him back and he was also responsible for caring for his sick father. But just as he was about to lose hope, he was referred to the Employment Opportunities Fund.

After some intensive coaching to build up his confidence, was offered a job with the programme's Apprenticeship Training Agency as a financial administrator.

"Since starting work, I have become much more positive in my outlook and my dad has noticed the change in me too. I know that I am picking up new skills that will help me gain employment in the future," he said.

Melissa Parkin, 24, from Queensbury, has also benefitted from the scheme, overcoming barriers to gain an apprenticeship with developer Westfield on the Broadway shopping centre site.

Miss Parkin, who has two young children, started her apprenticeship with Westfield UK in August.

She works in logistics on the Broadway site and after progressing well with her business and administration qualification, has recently received a pay rise for her hard work.

She said: "After four years of not working due to being a stay-at-home mum, I found it hard to get back into work.

"My last attempt was applying for apprenticeships and I am so glad I did because it led to my current role with Westfield. I'm really enjoying it and gaining a lot of experience."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the Council's portfolio holder for employment and skills, said: "I'm delighted that we're celebrating the 1000th person into work as a result of Get Bradford Working with more jobs in the pipeline still to come.

"I've seen at first hand the difference it makes to people on the programme by being successful in getting work and I'm glad that through the investment we're able to fulfil the hopes of so many people.

"Colin and Melissa both deserve their success and it's great that they have been rewarded for their determination to succeed."

As well as the Employment Opportunities Fund, Get Bradford Working includes the Apprenticeship Training Agency, the Routes into Work commissioned fund and Industrial Centres of Excellence, which delivers an industry-based curriculum for 14 to 19-year-olds.

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