12th Jun 2012 - 00:00
Abstract
Contract caterer Talkington Bates has teamed up with industry charity Springboard to launch a programme that will give disadvantaged people the chance to learn job skills working as part of its contract catering team.
The "Talking Voyage" scheme will provide a programme of structured work experience for people who are often excluded from the jobs market because of their personal circumstances, backgrounds or lifestyle. A series of "Talking Opportunity" days will be staged in months ahead around the country to give people the chance to find out more about the scheme and get involved. The programme will incorporate the Springboard INSPIRE quality standard kitemark which was developed to meet the need to attract new talent to the industry. The first "Talking Opportunity" days will take place in Birmingham on 13th June, Wellingborough on 14th June and Southampton on 20th June. Fiona Hopkinson, managing director, Talkington Bates Midlands & Care, said: "This is our way of working with Springboard to give something back to the industry – and society as a whole – through a programme that provides the chance for people to learn the skills they need for a career in catering. Our vision is to get all Talkington Bates sites involved in some way, with the aim of putting 35 people through the programme. "This scheme is designed to give an opportunity to some groups in society who are marginalised because of their circumstances or simply because they face one or more barriers to work. This includes the homeless, people who are disabled, those with learning difficulties, ex-offenders and those who come from several generations of unemployment so have little knowledge of the way the jobs market works." Anne Pierce, chief executive officer of Springboard, added: "We are delighted to be working with Talkington Bates on this innovative project which will provide a practical way for people to learn catering skills and embark on a voyage which will lead them out of long-term unemployment and into work in such a forward thinking company. "It is admirable that Talkington Bates has made such a wonderful commitment to helping disadvantaged people in this way through inspiring them to get into the jobs market."
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