My Future is a new programme supported by Manchester College and Manchester City Council to provide young people aged 16 to 24 with experience in a real working environment and an opportunity to increase their knowledge and develop new skills.
The programme is based around a 4 week pre-employment training period followed by a 13 week paid (minimum wage) work placement with a local employer. This can be a voluntary sector organisation or social enterprise as well as local companies and public sector bodies.
To get involved with the programme, book a place on the Employers Event on 23rd July at Central Library http://www.manchester.gov.uk/events/event/3553/my_future_-_event_for_employers or email Michael Sheehy at [email protected]
Further information
Following discussions with the team behind My Future, we’ve put together this FAQ for charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises who might be interested in taking part:
What is it?
My Future is a pre-employment initiative aimed at supporting unemployed people into work. Young people can register for the programme at an open day event (similar to a Jobs Fair).
How does it work?
• A 4-week pre-employment training period with Manchester College. The first week is full time training, weeks 2, 3 and 4 are a mix of training at the College and induction at the employer’s workplace.
• A 13 week paid work experience placement with an employer. Manchester College employs the individual and places them with an employer and pays them at National Minimum Wage rate. (Macc believes this should be Living Wage and have made this clear to the organisers.)
What do I need to be able to offer?
• A 13-week work experience placement
• You have the option of getting involved in the recruitment of the young people to the programme
• During the 4 weeks pre-employment training, you would need to provide an induction into your organisation.
• After the 13 weeks, if you’re able, you can consider offering interviews for any vacancies or apprenticeships that may be available.
• You’re also asked to provide a reference for the employee.
Do we get paid for hosting?
No - but in addition to getting an extra pair of hands for a few weeks, you do also have the option of keeping the person on as an employee if you choose to do so.
By taking part in this initiative you will not only be supporting young jobseekers in Manchester, you will be part of a programme which shows how employment support projects can work more effectively.
There are other opportunities in this for you too: some employers have offered existing staff the opportunity to buddy and mentor their work experience colleague – it can be a great development opportunity for a member of staff.
What are the reporting requirements?
If the person does not report for work, you are expected to advise the College who will follow this up.
Is it a mandatory programme like “workfare” schemes?
No. The programme is entirely voluntary, NOT mandatory. Nobody is forced to take part and benefits claimants are not sanctioned if they don’t choose to take part. Agreement has been obtained from Job Centre Plus that during the 4 week pre-employment period benefits will continue to be paid.
What do I do?
The next opportunity is to go along to the event on at Central Library on 23rd July. http://www.manchester.gov.uk/events/event/3553/my_future_-_event_for_em…
The My Future team will contact you to confirm the details.
Other questions
• If the position you’re intending to offer would require a DBS check, this does not necessarily delay the process. It can potentially be done while the person is on the 4 week pre-employment training period.
• If you have concerns about any issues which could arise if any of the employees is an ex-offender, you can speak to the My Future team to ensure this is addressed in the recruitment process.
• If the placement breaks down for some reason, Manchester College will work with those concerned to resolve the situation or find alternative solutions.