The Future Jobs Fund (FJF) scheme was a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initiative to create new jobs in organisations that deliver a community benefit. The programme allowed young people between the ages of 1824 to secure six months work placements for 25 hours a week at minimum wage or above. Between April 2010 and March 2011, 608 jobs were delivered through FJF, Urban Futures in a partnership between Prevista, Outward, ProDiverse, North London Partnership and KIS Training. Urban Futures worked with a range of employers who were community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises such as: Age Concern, Cancer Research, The Selby Trust, Housing Associations and Citizens Advice Bureau. The programme was a real benefit to these organisations providing additional staffing capacity as well as providing an initial stepping stone to employment for the respective young people.
DID YOU KNOW?
The scheme has been a huge success for the employers and employees and Urban Futures who programme managed the project. The following case studies truly show how successful the scheme has been.
A massive 891 people found work through Urban Futures’ involvement in the Future Jobs Fund FJF Employees Left: Terry Welch Right: Matthew Longmoore
In Terry’s words:
Case Study: 24 year old Terry Welch comes from a hard working single parent family in Tottenham. Terry had been unemployed for over six months before starting at Wood Works Wonders. With drained confidence Terry had always struggled to find the right type of work after leaving school with few qualifications. With an interest in wood work Terry was referred to Urban Futures by JCP and was on the FJF Scheme working for Wood Works Wonders. Terry developed first-hand experience and carpentry skills as well as numerical skills. Being able to boost his self confidence, project planning, communications and punctuality Terry has now been inspired to start his own business making furniture.
“...it has also improved my self-esteem and made me a much more outgoing person...Wood Work Wonders has been a lifeline to me, opening up the possibilities to develop myself and my working credentials. 10