Steven Jefferson was unemployed for just over 3 years before he was given the opportunity to get back into work at Best Deal 4 Baby as an Office Junior. Steven started on Monday 22nd March.As an Office Junior Steven is responsible for answering the telephone at Best Deal 4 Baby, sending emails to charities and companies and general admin duties. “Getting this post means a lot to me because I have been unemployed for so long and was beginning to lose hope on getting a job. But now I have been given a chance to gain work-based skills and valuable work experience”
“Since I have been here, I’ve found that my role has developed to more of an events co-ordinator. I have found that the management here are always keen to help people progress and have trusted me with more responsibility which I am really enjoying.”
“In the last few weeks I’ve made an information sheet for young dads, teenage girls and young parents, which helps to identify what help or advice they might need. As part of this I have designed a teen network survey to provide information, advice they need and what views they have. By getting this information I hope to develop some kind of help workshop to get them involved in.”
“My employers are kind and very understanding. They have been very supportive to me and helped me when I needed it the most. It is like one big family here and I am glad to be a part of it.”
When asked about the Future Jobs Fund scheme and the team, Steven had this to say; “I found the Future Jobs Fund team to be so helpful and have always made themselves available with things such as pay and working issues. I believe this project has been such a major boost in helping young people back into work and back on their feet. I hope that they can continue to help people like me getting back in-to work.”
