Richard Cooper: Care and Repair Team Member

What Richard has to say about his first week as part of Peterborough's Care and Repair Team:

"My first week has been a real experience as it has allowed me to get a
feel of office life and learn about what the care and repair team does for the local community. After an initial introduction, I was able to go on a site visit with my colleague to some client’s homes. This allowed me to see the difference the team makes to vulnerable people in the community. Since then, I have been doing all different office duties throughout the week and am currently taking calls and information for the handy person scheme."

Improving the recycling in Peterborough

Lee Allen has started work with Peterborough City Council as a Recycling Project Officer. Lee started on 2nd February 2010 "being a recycling officer is very enjoyable, although I still have a lot to learn! The Future Jobs Fund has provided me with a job filled with new experiences and skills including verbal / written communication, IT skills and speaking and educating the public on how to increase their recycling".

Lee is assisting the the senior community engagement officer to increase recycling participation and to help Peterborough City Council reach the recycling and waste targets through education across the District and decrease the level of contamination of recyclables. He will be working with community groups, businesses, schools, residents and community leaders to raise awareness of Environmental issues across the district.

Kirsty Martin, Senior Community engagement officer for Peterborough City Council "The role which Lee is doing will benefit the environment of Peterborough, help to achieve better recycling rates and decrease contamination and help promote education across the city".

Meet Max Casbon, Microbiology Assistant Technical Officer

Max Casbon started with Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on 8th February 2010 as a Microbiology Assistant Technical Officer.

Prior to beginning with the Future Jobs Fund Max has participated in voluntary work at Peterborough District Hospital in the pathology and microbiology department, which meant when this position became available it was an ideal opportunity for Max to begin his career in the area of work which he really wanted to do. In Max's application form for the job he stated that "I believe that this opportunity would provide me with the vital experience that can be used as a good platform to continue my chosen career within the NHS".

Since starting his job, Max has been learning about organisms, antibiotics and how to handle plate samples. He has undertaken training in sensitivity, routine bench training and MRSA screening. Max has already started teaching others; he recently showed work experience students how the MRSA bench worked.

"The job is really exciting and is exactly what I thought it would be. There is a real variety of work which is really interesting and everyone is really nice. It is very busy and I have learnt so much already. " Max Casbon

What the Future Jobs Fund candidates are saying

"Can’t wait to start, I’ve been out of work for such a long time it is brilliant to get a job! I think the FJF is a good idea and it is an added bonus that I will receive training as well. It has given me hope”LEA JORDAN, Painter and Decorator – YMCA

“FJF gives young people an opportunity to do something they really like, after gaining this experience who knows what I will be able to do! This is a huge opportunity for me and has opened the door to the future, I am so happy”ASTA REMEZAITE – Community Project Worker

“Looking forward to getting started, getting back into work is brilliant. Last year I would never have thought I would be offered a job like this, FJF is giving kids a chance!”ALEX AMOS – Carer Support Worker – PCVS

“If it wasn’t for FJF I would never have got this chance. I studied medical science at college and this job will start my career. I am very happy and excited”NATALIE ROBERTSON – Biochemist - NHS

Meet the Team

The Future Jobs Fund Team has recently appointed three new members. Gary Conder has joined us as a placement manager, Lee Wyer has joined as the project assistant and Russell Leigh is the latest addition as administration support.

Gary Conder was working as a personal advisor at the Job Centre Plus before joining the Future Jobs Fund team. Gary started on the 4Th January 2010.

"The Future Jobs Fund is moving at pace now and I have seen many delighted candidates at the start of a beneficial journey, courtesy of the Future Jobs Fund and its partner organisations. On a personal note, I find it very rewarding knowing that I am helping young people of Peterborough gain valuable experience with a view to help them into sustainable employment." (Gary Conder, placement manager, FJF).

Lee Wyer was unemployed for 10 months before joining the Future Jobs Fund, he was one of the first to gain employment through the project and has been here since 21st December 2009.

"Since I have been here I have found the experience very enjoyable, and it has given me many opportunities I didn't think I would ever get. I have currently been working with and along side Gary Conder, in assisting new employee's with their starter forms, CRB checks and other paperwork. Whilst doing this I feel like we have been helping young people obtain great opportunities and experiences, which has given me a great sense of pride and achievement in helping others gain work." (Lee Wyer, Projects Assistant, FJF).

Russell Leigh started with the team on 26Th January 2010. Prior to beginning work Russell had been unemployed for 8 months. To keep himself busy Russell took part in Key Theatre stage productions such as Oliver and West Side Story. He was also studying performing arts at Peterborough Regional College.

"I was unemployed for the better part of eight months before finding and getting a great opportunity with the Future Jobs Fund. In the early days of me learning about this scheme I was given the one thing that made it different from every other job application, assurance of feedback and possibility of an interview. A few weeks later I received a call back from all the organisations I applied to and in the end I received an offer of a job which I really wanted. It is a great experience, I am really enjoying it, and I am smiling right now!" (Russell Leigh, FJF Administration Assistant).