A new and unique pilot project aimed at helping unemployed people from across North East Lincolnshire prepare for jobs in the process technician industry is about to launch.
The Change programme, part of the Working Neighbourhoods Fund, is designed to help reduce unemployment in the borough.
So far the programme has worked with 571 people and has successfully helped 78 of those off benefits and into work.
Change is funding a range of projects, including one run by Humber Chemical Focus (HCF), to give local people an opportunity to develop new skills and gain vital experience needed for a career as a process technician.
During the pilot project HCF is aiming to help 30 people gain access to an accredited qualification, 10 to achieve a new qualification and four to progress on to employment. Once the pilot has been completed it’s hoped it will be rolled-out and accepted as an industry entry qualification.
HCF created the pilot after realising that although industry is thriving in the area, the workforce is ageing. With so many process based industries on the Humber bank, HCF has developed a way for local people to get on the path to a new career, on their own doorstep.
The pilot will work with unemployed local people combining classroom style learning with the added practical experience of working on the unique CATCH site. Their skills will be developed to a standard that, once completed, will allow them to progress on to further training and qualifications that they will need for employment as a process technician.
Sabine Holmes from HCF, who is coordinating the pilot project, said: “For an area with such low aspirations, there is a huge industry locally that needs workers. It will provide those involved with an excellent career path. It’s the first step to a lot of opportunities for them.
“Through our pilot project, not only is the Change programme helping people on the path to employment, but it is also helping a thriving industry on our own doorstep. With many companies operating from the Humber Bank, there are some great career paths available for local people. We want to equip people with skills ready to be able to further their career prospects in the process technician industry.”
The programme will be run in partnership with the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education (GIFHE) as well as the Humber ChemSkills network, including industry partners such as the Total Lindsey Oil Refinery, ConocoPhillips Humber Refinery, Nippon Gohsei and Cristal Global Millennium.
All partners will be working together to support the skills development of our local workforce for the benefit of local industry, whilst helping those who are unemployed onto a new career path.