Pathways into Employment sessions end on a high

June 26 saw the final session in the Exploring Pathways into Employment programme take place - organised and facilitated by Optalis’ Supported Employment Service (SES). The course ended on a high with guest speaker Michael Poppa, area manager from Churchill’s providing a real understanding of working in the cleaning industry.

Michael said: “I feel that it is important to help individuals back into the workforce and by spending time at the “Day in the Life of a Cleaner” session today, I hope I have given them some ideas as to how cleaning can provide a variety of opportunities as a long-term career, with excellent possibilities for progression and development.

“The cleaning and support services industry provides an enormous variety of opportunities. At Churchill for example, we take pride in helping members of our team to develop and grow within the business. Many of our senior management team have been promoted up through the ranks and we have done all we can to support this employee development.”

Over the course of the six sessions, the programme has enabled over 40 clients to gain a real insight into what it’s really like working in the retail, floristry, catering and cleaning industries.

Donna Morgans, deputy manager of Optalis’ SES said: “I feel the success of our Pathways programme is due to the skills and dedication of our Job Coaches and Tutors, and the experience and knowledge of our guest speakers.

“We were also grateful to have visits from Sainsbury’s staff, a florist from Cherubs Floral Design Ltd, and a cleaner from Churchill’s, all of whom took the time to speak to our customers and answer their questions. It’s been a pleasure to organise these sessions for our customers - who I’m sure have gained a great deal from it in terms of industry insight.”