Meet Michelle Broadbent - Recycling Project Officer at the PCC

Michelle Broadbent is a Recycling Project Officer at the PCC has recently spent some time with the Catering team at City Services. Over the last few weeks she has been completing general administrative duties. To allow Michelle to get a real flavour for the Catering department they decided to assign her to a four day “Tudor Days” event at Peterborough Cathedral. This event is an educational trip that school children attend.

Here is Michelle’s account of the event; the week was from 5th – 9th July, I assisted the catering team at a Tudor event held at the Cathedral. To be able to do this I had to complete the ‘Basic Food Hygiene Certificate’ which lasts 3 years.

All the days generally went like this:

8am: I got picked up from the office by Lorraine and went to the school kitchen at Dogsthorpe Primary. We counted the food needed and boxed it up; we also counted and cooked the pasties ready to box up. I then washed all the boxes and the baking trays after the pasties had been cooked. Once all the food was cooked and packed we loaded it into the van ready to take to the Cathedral.

11am: I got changed into my wench outfit which consisted of a long black skirt, plain white top with a corset style top on top with poufy sleeves and a mop cap.

11.15am: We left to go to the cathedral and set up the food ready for the children to serve.

12-1.30pm: We filled up the Tudor jugs with juice and half filled all the goblets that are on the table. We then filled up plastic jugs and place them under the table ready for refills. We put bread rolls into baskets for the children to serve to the other children and the abbot. Once the children have got places the Abbot enters the room followed by a procession of lord and ladies (some of the children and dressed as lords and ladies, some as servers and the rest are in normal Tudor dress) After the bread rolls had been served we put the pasties into the baskets ready for the next course, then they had ginger biscuits and an apple each to finish.

1.30pm-2pm: Someone is pulled up for having an English Bible and/or teaching from an English Bible. They are then taken round the corner and “spanked” for punishment, the children look stunned when they hear the screams (its all pretend and to entertain the children of course). Next a play is performed showing the story of St. George; a few of the teachers from the schools take part and some of the children too. Then when we were finished we put the boxes back onto the van ready for the next day.

The whole week was very enjoyable and different. It was good to experience in a kitchen environment and from the catering side of the PCC. On the Friday, when the meal finished, me and Lorraine were called up to see the Abbot, we both thought we were going to be told off for having English Bibles. I was very much surprised and grateful when we were given a beautiful bouquet of flowers each with a butterfly in. I wouldn’t say no to doing this again.

Grainne Kiely - Support Worker at Axiom Housing

Grainne Kiely was unemployed for Six Months before gaining the opportunity as a Support worker at Axiom Housing. She started on13th April 2010.

“Before I started I was so happy that I was going to be able to start work again. To get a chance like this means a lot to me as it will give me the opportunity to gain many new experiences and skills in a job role that I would very much like to do in the future.”

“I help maintain the day-to-day running of the project at Fair View Court and I also ensure the provision of a supportive and structured environment which both encourages and enables residents to live as independently as possible helping them to build confidence and develop as responsible adults. I am also doing a club on a Tuesday evening where I sit with residents and go through different computer courses and help to teach them how to use them.”

“Whilst I have been at Fair View Court I have done a basic maths course and am hoping to do an ITQ qualification in the near future. I am also hoping to do a first aid and health and safety in the workplace course. But I have particularly enjoyed doing the training on safeguarding vulnerable adults.”

“I would like to thank everyone at Axiom for giving me this opportunity and helping me better my skills and qualifications. You have all been so great.”

“The Future Jobs Fund scheme is a great opportunity to get more experience within you desired job role. They can also offer many great courses throughout your time and are always willing to help.”

Luke Wright - Recycling Project Officer at the Peterborough City Council

Congratulations to Luke Wright for successfully gaining full time employment whilst on the Future Jobs Fund scheme. Luke has been employed by an agency who works alongside Amazon.com, and is part of Amazon’s plan to expand across the country, he will be working in the distribution centre in Peterborough.

Luke was working with the waste education team from the 2nd March 2010 and his last day was 9th July. Luke is pictured wearing the composting Claire suit!!

Luke’s line manager Kirsty Martin describes the composting Claire suit as “a fun part of the role that the waste education team undertake, usually the team have to play a part in an assembly at one of the schools or at a road show. Luke has managed to get out of wearing Claire as he is too tall and would frighten the children!! So we got him to wear it before he left!”

The impact he has made has been great, he has been very flexible in adapting to different working hours and conditions, as he has tried various roles within the team. He has completed recycling relays within schools and assemblies, been door knocking to educate the residents of Peterborough on waste and recycling. Been on road shows, completed admin duties and dealt with queries and complaints, he has also been bin loading and litter picking. This is just a few examples of the various roles he has completed within the 4 months time frame. I believe he has learnt a wide range of new skills, experience and confidence with people, which he will be able to adapt to progress further in his employment.

Meet Joshua Conrad and Robert Lee – Park Assistants at Nene Park Trust

Robert Lee was unemployed for 2 years, whilst Joshua Conrad was unemployed for 6 months. Both were successful in gaining the opportunity at Nene Park Trust as Park Assistants. They started work on the 1st March 2010.

Nene Park Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. It is financially independent and does not receive funding from local or central government or any other public body. All its income is devoted to operating, maintaining and developing Nene Park now and for the future.

The Rangers at Nene Park look after Peterborough’s largest green space comprising 1722 acres. In the summer months this involves grass cutting, hedge cutting, weed control and keeping the site clean and tidy. In the winter months there is a greater emphasis on tree work, thinning out the numerous tree belts and woodland areas as well as repairing and reinstalling fencing and gates. In addition to this the Rangers provide a Duty Ranger service 365 days a year and deliver a public events programme of guided walks and activities. To see what’s coming up next visit www.neneparktrust.org.uk

Joshua said, “Our job roles at Nene Park cover a variety of different tasks, most of the tasks we undertake involve the maintenance of Nene Park and Ferry Meadows. Some of the tasks we are responsible for range from mowing the grass or cutting the hedges to painting fences and benches and completing general repairs around the park. We have also been part of the Ranger events for the community with things such as kite making and making environmental sculptures.”

Joshua has, “Enjoyed the opportunity to work outside everyday, being able to work in and around some of the beautiful lakes and scenery at Ferry Meadows has been a great experience. Whereas Robert has, “Really enjoyed being able to gain so many new and great skills, which I hope will help me in my search for a full time job.”

Robert and Joshua both agreed that, “Everyone we work with are great, they have all been so helpful and are always giving us advice, but still make each day fun and a joy to be at work.”

Deborah Rowell - Document Producer at Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service

Deborah Rowell was unemployed for Over 6 months before gaining the opportunity to be a Document Producer at Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service. She started on 24th of May 2010.

“Getting this opportunity means I that I will gain transferrable skills that I can refer to in the future and that will give me the experience needed to further a career in administration of a similar office position.”

“My role as a Document Producer involves writing up new Standard Operating Procedures for CFRS.I also helped to cover reception when two of the receptionists were on leave. Tasks I have also done include: using the tannoy system, answering the phones, transferring calls, I’ve used the databases, excel spreadsheets, word documents, and the email system.”

“While on my placement I think I’ve proved to myself that I can work well when given a range of responsibilities. I’m really proud of the work I have done so far. Also knowing that future employees will be following the guidelines I’ve set out for them and maybe find it helpful to them in some way is a very nice feeling.”

“I really enjoy working with everyone within my placement. The people are all very friendly and have made me feel welcome here. I feel privileged to have found a placement with so many nice people who are always willing to go the extra mile to help you.”

“I would highly recommend the Future Jobs Fund scheme to anyone who is looking to pursue the career they want. You will receive help and guidance throughout the placement which helps greatly. I have found that this scheme has been a great learning experience and have gained many new skills.”

Kayleigh Mansfield - Housing Options Admin Assistant – Peterborough City Council (PCC)

Kayleigh Mansfield was unemployed for 9 months before gaining the opportunity of Housing Options Administration Assistant with the Peterborough City Council. She started on 29th April 2010.

“Getting this opportunity means I will be able to learn additional administration skills within an office environment and learn more about how the PCC systems work in regards to council properties, which is an area I would very much like to continue to work in the future.”

“My Role as a Housing Options Administration Assistant is to update the systems regarding the choice based lettings department. I call the applicants on a Monday morning to advise them of there viewings, I update the council based letting (CBL) spreadsheet daily; create posters, plus basic admin duties.”

“While on my placement I hope to gain a full time position at the council. I already had the main skills for an admin role; however I have been very happy whilst working at this placement. I am applying for all of the current vacancies that come through on a weekly basis. I have never worked in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere like this before and everyone in the department is so helpful. It makes the job really enjoyable to have a good working environment.”

“My line manager has been very good since I’ve been here. He helps me with anything I need and gives me 100% support with all aspects of my job. Everybody else in the team are always so helpful and have helped me pick up working procedures really quickly”

“I think this is such a brilliant scheme. The Future Jobs Fund (FJF) is a great way to gain new experiences, and often opens many doors to new careers opportunities. It’s also a good way to learn new skills that you thought you would never have. So if you have the chance to get involved then please do as it really can benefit you .The FJF team are always so helpful, and give so much advice, which adds to the experiences and skills you will gain.”

Meet Chris Brierley – Assistant Project Officer at BTCV

Chris Brierley was unemployed for over 6 months before successfully gaining the opportunity to be an Assistant Project Officer at BTCV. He started on the 26 April 2010.

BTCV (formerly British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) began as a body organising practical conservation tasks in the countryside. However their role has changed considerably since the foundation of the organisation. Although they have always been involving people in the environment in one way or another, in what the BTCV describes as a 'hands-on' approach, BTCV are now very much involved in community work in urban areas, such as Parnwell which is one of the locations Chris has been working at.

“Before I started this role I was really looking forward to being able to get back into work. I think it was more exciting as I gained the opportunity to work in career I believed I could learn so much from and possibly forge a career path in.”

“Since I have been here I have enjoyed the work I’ve done. I have been given so much training and advice. For example, we have been shown how to tell if a tree is dead or alive, and methods to either preserve or remove the tree. This is great as without that kind of advice I would never gain the right skills needed to progress further.”

“I have really enjoyed working in Parnwell as we have recently been involved in clearing a big section of woodland shrubbery, including trees and bushes. I enjoyed this as we did it as a team and all had to work towards the same goals, which was a new but enjoyable experience. I have always enjoyed working in all weathers, as you can still do all so much to help the environment.”

“Everyone at BTCV has been great and have all been very fun people to work with, who are always keen to help.”

BTCV is based in Parnwell Peterborough, supporting the Pride in Parnwell Project, funded by the Fair Share Lottery. For Further information on the Fair Share Lottery funded projects in Parnwell visit http://www.positivelyparnwell.org.uk/.