Posted on Friday 21st January 2022
Callum Edwards
Hundreds of jobseekers continue to get their foot on the career ladder thanks to a work experience programme delivered by Staffordshire County Council.
Twenty-two year old Callum Edwards is the latest person to benefit from the Open-Door programme, having secured a full time job as a Laboratory Technician with rapidly expanding business Professional Test Solutions Ltd, based in Wolverhampton.
Having graduated from the University of Salford during the pandemic; Callum found it difficult to find jobs related to his chosen field of physics.
After spending 18 months working in grocery retail, he finally decided to have another go at finding a job that would make better use of his qualification.
Callum turned to the Open Door team for help in October 2021 and after discussing his goals and aspirations, started a twelve-week work experience placement with PTS Ltd.
Callum impressed his bosses so much that after only four weeks they offered him a full time job.
Talking about his experience, Callum said:
“I had been searching for jobs related to engineering and physics since I finished my degree in May 2020 but due to the pandemic, many companies either weren’t hiring at all or there was limited availability for related jobs.
“I contacted the Open Door team and after explaining my position, the team quickly put me in touch with Professional Test Solutions.
"Within days I had a meeting to discuss my placement and the week after I attended my first day.
“I began learning all of the processes which would be key if I were to continue as a full time employee.
"Although it was a new challenge from what I had been doing previously, I was able to use some of the knowledge from my studies to help me through.
"After just four weeks of attending every Wednesday, I was offered a permanent role at the company.
“I would absolutely recommend the Open Door programme to others in the same boat as me.
"It was very easy for me to get started and I felt welcomed immediately.
"Knowing that I always had someone to contact too was also very helpful.
"I’d definitely urge others to get in touch with the team and get their careers kickstarted.”
Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We’re very proud of our Open Door programme and it’s an important part of our work to grow our local economy and create good quality jobs for people.
"It means that people have the experience and skills to take advantage of these new jobs coming down the line.
“Through the programme, we offer candidates a tailored work experience placement within a wide variety of job roles to suit the career they are looking for.
"If we don’t have a suitable work placement within the council, we will go out to local employers to find one.
"It's great that Callum found a placement so quickly and a job for that matter and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Alex Smith, Managing Director at PTS said:
“We chose Open Door as they demonstrated great engagement, a willingness to understand exactly what our business needs and having in-depth knowledge of their candidates.
"I’d highly recommend the scheme.”
The Open Door programme started back in 2009 and has helped over 1400 people.
Anyone over 18 is eligible to apply to the programme, which focuses on helping those who face difficulties and barriers in finding work.
This could include people with disabilities, mental health issues, ex-offenders, children leaving care, school leavers and graduates.
For further information on the Open Door Staffordshire scheme please contact 01785 854486 or email opendoor@staffordshire.gov.