Help for the unemployed (From Northwich Guardian)
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Help for the unemployed
8:30am Monday 15th October 2012 in News
By Gina Bebbington
JOB hunters will be matched up with their perfect occupation thanks to an online database being piloted in Northwich.
There are around 1,600 people out of work in the Northwich area and the aim of the scheme is to slash that number and tackle any skill or qualification shortages holding people back.
Steve Newson, from Northwich and Rural North Area Partnership Board (APB), said: “At the end of the day this is common sense.”
The APB is working with Job Centre Plus, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Cheshire Community Development Trust, Northwich Information Centre, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s youth services and The Zone to offer the scheme, in conjunction with software development company Kaonix.
Job hunters just have to register on the system, upload a CV if they have one, or work through a simple structured process to create one, then just set their search criteria, from the type of job they would like to the distance they are willing to travel.
The Kaonix system then searches through its database of half a million jobs across the UK to come up with the best fit, as well as other potential jobs that could suit the individual’s skills.
The web-based software also saves the search criteria so the job hunter just has to log on another day to see an updated list of relevant vacancies.
Steve said: “It’s a deal that overcomes some of the barriers.
“We are trying to keep this at zero cost to the user and expand it to get more local businesses into the system.
“As an APB we are keen to monitor the take up – are we getting the numbers of people registered? How many people are getting interviews? How many are not successful and why not?
“It’s also about giving the right support to people.”
The APB has funded local licenses for the software and trained advisors from its partners.
For more information or to find out where to register ring Steve Newson on 01606 288841 or email steve.newson@cheshirewestandchester.co.uk.
