In April 2015 Specsavers announced it is to invest in a new Kidderminster manufacturing and distribution facility, creating an estimated 230 additional jobs over the next 5 years.
Community and corporate responsibility has always been important to the Specsavers Partnership and due to this expansion in Kidderminster Lens Online is increasing its community work to develop a Career & Employment Support Programme giving much needed opportunities for unemployed people to develop their career through employee mentoring and work placements.
Working in partnership with Vestia Community Trust and Wyre Forest District Council the aim is to develop an employment support programme where unemployed people will attend a direct learning course to help them to be job ready, which will include work experience opportunities with Lens Online.
The learning programme will be supported by Lens Online colleagues who help learners build their confidence and techniques through conducting mock interviews. They will also act as ‘work buddies’ to those who progress into work experience placements with Lens Online.
On successful completion of their work experience learners will be referred to Lens Online recruitment partner Louise Hewett to be considered for an employment position when an opportunity arises.
Doug Lynes General Manager Lens Online said “The growth of our business means that we are able to invest in the local area and we are delighted to create this programme to offer employment opportunities to the local community”.
Marina Banner, Executive Director, Vestia said “Lens Online and Louise Hewett have shown real innovation in working with Vestia and Wyre Forest District Council to create this programme. It demonstrates how successful business growth brings wider investment and benefits to our community.
The programme commences in September 2015; with learners progressing to work experience placements on a bi-monthly basis from October 2015.
The programme will also be supported by Kidderminster Job Centre Plus and our funding partners Heart of Worcestershire College (HOW) and Worcestershire County Council Adult Libraries and Learning.
