A scheme set up to get more people in Bradford into employment has just helped its 3,000th person into work.

The Get Bradford Working Programme started in 2012 and has now reached another milestone after one of its users, Nabeelah Khalid, gained a job in Marks & Spencer in Broadway.

The scheme, which provides support to help Bradford residents overcome barriers to accessing the jobs market, included the opening of the Skillshouse, a “finishing school” set up to prepare people for jobs in the retail and hospitality sector. Its opening coincided with the completion of the Broadway Shopping Centre and it has helped 900 people find work.

Ms Khalid attended the Skillshouse, obtaining four qualifications including Worldhost, a customer service qualification.

She said: “Attending SkillsHouse gave me an insight of what employees are looking for, which in return helped with my employability with Marks & Spencer.”

Get Bradford Working includes numerous different programmes, such as the Employment Opportunities Fund and the creation of a number of Industrial Centres of Excellence. The initial goal was to create 390 new jobs, 400 new apprenticeships, and 300 work experience placements over two years, but the scheme was soon expanded and more funding was found from sources including Jobcentre Plus and social housing group Incommunities.

Skillshouse, Based at St Peter's House behind Broadway, is one of the strands of Get Bradford Working, and includes a website that advertises jobs in local businesses, and there are currently jobs advertised for Next, Patisserie Valerie and H&M.

Kerry Robinson SkillsHouse Manager said: “We are proud to be part of the scheme that has supported 3,000 Bradford residents back into work to date. There are many opportunities here in our district and it is great that we can help to provide training and support to ensure people who have been unemployed can make the most of them.”