FareShare has launched a new initiative to help unemployed people gain accredited work qualifications.
The food redistribution charity has started the FareFutures programme, giving jobseekers the chance to amass “valuable” work experience at its food warehouses across the country.
Candidates need no prior professional experience, and those successful will learn different skills in food, warehousing and logistics, such as driving a forklift and completing food hygiene courses.
“In addition to gaining new qualifications, trainees will be making a real difference in their community,” said FareShare’s employment coach, Hannah Clarke.
“We provide one-to-one coaching, personal development and employment skills. Our programme will provide free personalised support for people to find, secure and sustain meaningful employment following the scheme.”
The FareFutures projects will run both on a regional and national level, and schemes will be tailored to meet local priorities.
FareShare Merseyside, the network’s regional centre in Speke, Liverpool, is running FareFutures’ six-month flagship project New Horizons after a successful trial that saw participants receive individual tailored employability support.
This included relevant work experience, vocational training, and help to find and apply for future jobs.
“My confidence has grown, and being able to talk to people has set me up for college,” said FareShare Merseyside trainee Gabby. “I love that I have qualifications, as I have shown that I can actually learn stuff.”
Whilst the New Horizons project is more suited to those seeking work in warehousing, the FareShare team also offers support to those looking to pivot into administration, customer service or delivery driving, among other roles.
As part of the FareFutures initiative, the food redistribution charity was also named a recipient of the UK government’s Kickstart Grant Scheme this year – allowing over 130 unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 to join the network on a six-month paid work placement.
Roles include warehouse assistant, administration assistant, volunteering management assistant and customer service, and the group has already filled more than half of the vacancies. The scheme is currently open until the end of March 2022.
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