The pilot Healthcare Clinicians course was designed to equip learners with valuable skills to help them find work alongside new GP consortia, created by the Government’s radical healthcare reforms which came in on April 1.

The main purpose of the scheme was to equip people with the skills and confidence to work in the community, supporting the assessment and screening of their friends and family and providing a frontline support service to an already overstretched GP service.

It is open to all but targeted at women from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities.

The course teaches therapeutic and preventative clinical care, which learners can take back to their communities while opening a world of new employment opportunities.

It was designed from scratch by public service provider A4e and provided in partnership with Great Healthcare for the Community, a not-for-profit organisation set up by local GP Dr Murli Sinha to offer training opportunities to local residents.

The first 12 learners were awarded their certificates at a ceremony at the Witton Community Centre,Birmingham, last Thursday (May 16) and a second group of 15 have started their studies at the former Aston Pride Centre.

They were all referred to the project via their local JobCentre Plus to be trained in new skills including customer services, IT and community healthcare.  Translators are on hand to help those whose first language is not English.   Alongside their core modules, our course participants also received specialist interventions from partner organisations Brook, Aquarius and West Midlands Fire Service, ensuring that they gained a broad understanding of the skills required to work in the sector and an impressive portfolio of competencies to promote to employers.

Andrew Dutton, CEO of A4e, who presented the certificates, said: “Over the six weeks, the learners covered a whole range of topics, from the principles of social care through to how to deliver effective customer service.

“But the main purpose of the scheme was to equip people with the skills and confidence to work in the community, supporting the assessment and screening of their friends and family and providing a frontline support service to an already overstretched GP service.

“Senior healthcare professionals from GHC provided instruction around taking blood pressure, testing for diabetes, checking weight and other procedures, allowing the learners to become familiar with the clinical equipment required for such assessments and facilitating the role plays to encourage appropriate bedside manner.

“At A4e we are committed to providing high-quality training opportunities to as many people as we can reach. Working in partnership with GHC has enabled us to introduce ourselves to a range of customers and partners that we otherwise might not have met. Now that we have had this experience we are keen to do more, and will continue to make the development of schemes like this a priority for our Skills division as part of our plans for growth and diversification.”

At least two of the graduates have already found employment after completing the course and it is hoped many more will now have the skills sets, improved CVs and confidence to find work in the healthcare sector.

By enabling more people from ethnic backgrounds to train and work in clinical healthcare, it is hoped they can reach more patients from within their communities, carrying out assessments, providing advice and supporting doctors and nurses in prevention work.

Michael Glenn, Education Development Manager for A4e’s Learning & Skills Division, said:  “A4e is proud to have supported such an enthusiastic group of learners and congratulates everyone on their achievement.

“Many of the course completers are now busy applying for work and attending interviews in order to put their new skills into practice.

“We are delighted to have received such support from Birmingham City Council and promote the activities to a wide range of officials and councillors, demonstrating how this initiative can have real impact across a number of portfolios and departments. All of the partners present are keen to ensure that this pilot leads to something more permanent that can make a lasting difference to the health and employment rates in the city.”

Dr Sinha added: “The key themes have not changed over the last 30 years that I have worked as a doctor in the NHS. I am pleased that we have combined compassion and dignity, which are key patient needs, with the modern need to ensure that money is properly spent and the unemployed are helped back to work.

“We will continue to strive and deliver dignity, empowerment and compassion to those who seek care and those who also provide.”

The National Probation Service will be a critically important partner for new Rehabilitation service providers, as will existing national and local organisations that deliver key services that will impact reoffending. We strongly support the reorganisation of the prison estate and creation of resettlement prisons that will enable effective, joined-up resettlement services prior to release.

Early Service leavers are those who are discharged either compulsorily or at their own request, having completed less than four year’s service. Historically many face low post-service employment rates compared to those having served more than four years and as such are entitled to a comprehensive resettlement package funded by the MOD.

However, a six-month trial by A4e to run a resettlement programme for service personnel at seven bases across the south of England showed that offering a ‘bridge’ between the two worlds has a significant impact.

Of 285 people referred to the Early Service Leavers (ESL) Resettlement Trial, nearly nine in ten (87%) found sustained employment, or went on to enter training or further education.

Research prior to the trial showed that ESL aged 18-24 struggled to achieve similar employment rates to peers who had not been in the forces.

The findings of the study also show that this early support for ESL could mean a saving to the Treasury of almost £420,000 from reduced JSA claims for the 285 participants.

The results were achieved through meetings with a specialist advisor, who helped the ESL create and follow an employment action plan. The advisor would also send details of vacancies in their resettlement area. Leavers were given continued support through monthly contact with A4e advisors after they had started in their new jobs.

A4e’s resettlement programme ran from February 2012 to July 2012 and was the first time a private sector organisation had offered employment support to ESL as they moved back into civilian life.

The research showed that attaching each ESL to a single civilian advisor whilst they are still on Base is crucial. A spokesman for A4e, Tony Cavanagh said: “This process helps establish a relationship which enables follow up support to be delivered through appropriate channels.”

The trial, sponsored by the MOD but funded entirely by A4e, was open to ESL from RAF Honington Station, Bury St Edmunds, RAF Halton Station, Aylesbury, Army Garrison Pirbright, Woking, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone, Devon, Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth and HMS Raleigh Naval Training Centre, Torpoint, Cornwall.

Commenting on the programme, one base officer said: “Some of the participants come in [to their meeting with an A4e advisor] as solemn individuals, not really knowing what the future holds. They come out of the meeting smiling with positive body language, confident – the difference having an advisor makes is enormous.  They’ve got hope – it’s an invaluable service”.

A4e’s Tony Cavanagh added: “Importantly, the trial was fiscally neutral, which means that a comprehensive resettlement service for ESL would be able to fund itself through the reduction in welfare benefit costs it created.

The results of the trial therefore suggest that such a programme for the resettlement of ESL could improve support for ESL, drive performance, create a joined-up approach to helping this group and ensure value for taxpayers’ money.”

For more information on the trial, please see the attached trial summary document.

The 3,560ft climb was inspired by A4e Kirkby office administrator Rachel Bache, whose mum was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a very rare, life-limiting neurological disease, 12 months ago.

As well as this being a great opportunity for team building within our office, we also want to raise as much as we can for charity. I think it shows we genuinely do care about improving peoples lives.

Moved by Rachel’s efforts to raise funds for the MSA Trust, which provides support for sufferers and their families, the team at A4e Kirkby in Merseyside pledged to move mountains – or at least climb one – to help.

The climb is being led by Team Leader Carl Byrne, with intrepid A4e employment advisors Mandy Levey, Natalie Malone, Toni Randles and Dave Forrest, customer service co-ordinator Rachael Dixon, and Rachel joining the challenge.

Rachel said: “We’re lucky that Carl is an experienced climber – we’ll need him!

“He suggested Snowdon as he has a lot of experience leading expeditions and thought Snowdon would be a good place to start for those of us who are less experienced.

“As well as this being a great opportunity for team building within our office, we also want to raise as much as we can for charity. I think it shows we genuinely do care about improving peoples lives.”

Rachel added: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped support me in raising funds for the trust and helped to raise awareness of the disease which has affected my family.”

“MSA is totally random and can affect anyone of any age, gender or race. However as it’s virtually unheard of, symptoms often are not recognised or picked up by healthcare professionals which is why it is important to raise awareness and know the signs and symptoms.

We are also hoping to climb Scarfell Pike and then Ben Nevis in the near future

“The Multiple System Atrophy Trust is currently undergoing research in hope of finding the cause and cure of this devastating terminal disease, but they rely solely on voluntary donations and receive no government funding, which is why every single donation is important.”

Cheering on the Kirkby team will be their colleagues, advisors Samina Memon and Louisa Whitby, trainers John Plunkett and Paul Hayes and Business Leader Brent Jolly, who have helped get sponsors.

Rachel also revealed that the team are determined that climbing Snowdon is just the beginning. “We are also hoping to climb Scarfell Pike and then Ben Nevis in the near future,” she said.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) affects around 3,000 people in the UK. The disease can go undiagnosed for a number of years with sufferers often feeling helpless and isolated.

For more information on the disease, how it affects sufferers and the important work the trust does please see the following link www.msatrust.org.uk

If you would like to show your support for the A4e Kirkby team, make a donation at www.justgiving.com/rachel-bache.

Despite the unseasonal chill, driving winds whistling along the canals and near-incessant rain, he says he’ll cherish it as the best holiday of his life.

“We had been on holidays every year, usually camping because we had little money. But I can barely remember them,” he said.

“I was in a fog of depression, I hardly knew what was going on. I was a drooling zombie on medication and I was a nightmare for my family to deal with.

“This year was different. It was a time of joy and discovery for us all. My children have got their Dad back. I am off the medication, off sick pay and working for a living. I can hold my head up high, I can be the Dad they deserve, the Dad they need, for the first time in a decade.”

I was in a fog of depression, I hardly knew what was going on. I was a drooling zombie on medication and I was a nightmare for my family to deal with.

Richard, 45, from Grantham, credits his referral to the Government’s Work Programme last November for giving him the confidence and support he needed to turn his life around.

Richard worked with service provider A4e, which runs the programme for the Department for Work and Pensions in Grantham, to get a viable business plan together for a computer business he’d always dreamed of. And in February, he launched his new venture, Argo IT.

The turning point, he recalls, was when his marriage failed and he was left with responsibility for their four children – and he was then told he may no longer qualify for the disability benefits he had become dependent on.

He said: “In a funny way, I am grateful that both things happened to me. They made me wake up and realise I had to stand up and get my life together, get working and get off my pills for the sake of my children.

“I know that it’s not possible for everyone with long term mental health problems to just shake them off, but I knew I had no choice.”

He added: “I admit I had become completely dependent on benefits. I had been on Employment and Support Allowance, and before that Incapacity Benefit, for 10 years.

“I wasn’t even capable of looking anyone in the eye for most of that, I was in such a bad way. Only people who have lived with depression and their families can know what it is like.

I know that it’s not possible for everyone with long term mental health problems to just shake them off, but I knew I had no choice.

“The idea of having my own computer business was a distant dream, something I never even thought possible.

“Signing off my ESA allowance was the scariest part. I know have three children at home to support and I was terrified we would lose the roof over our heads.

“But my A4e advisor, Barry Elliott, went through the calculations with me and worked out that I wouldn’t lose a penny. I would get the same in Working Tax Credits as I was getting in ESA. That means every penny I earn from my new business can be re-invested to help it grow.

“Getting my first payment for a job, doing IT for local schools, was such an amazing feeling. I had always felt guilty, like I didn’t deserve benefits. I hadn’t earned them. I couldn’t hold my head up in public. I was ashamed.

“Now I feel worthwhile for the first time in I don’t know how long. I am a different person, confident, able to chat to anyone. Three years ago, I wouldn’t have even been able to talk to someone on the phone. Now I am dealing with customers every day.

“Most importantly, I am engaging with my kids. I feel guilty for not being there for so long but I am trying to make up for lost time, and working for myself means I can work from home around them. It is perfect.”

Minister for Employment Mark Hoban said: “This is another great example of how the Work Programme is helping people across the country to find a job which is right for them.  If someone has been on sickness benefits for a long time, getting back to work can often be very difficult. This is why, through the Work Programme we are giving people the long term, tailored support they need to regain their confidence and move back into employment.”

More than 1.1 million people are out of work because of mental illness, and a quarter of those on benefits because of depression or anxiety disorder have been unemployed for a decade or more.

Some ESA claimants can attend the Work Programme, geared to help them get back into employment, on a voluntary basis. Others will be required to depending on their Work Capability Assessment.

The Work Programme has already helped more than 207,000 people off benefits and into a job.

For Richard, it opened up a pathway to self-employment, which suited his needs perfectly.

His mental health problems started when life dealt him a series of blows. In 1993, he split from his first wife and had to fight to see their three children, and later, the newspaper delivery service he inherited from his father failed and his sister died from cancer.

He said: “I had a nervous breakdown. I was having panic attacks and couldn’t cope with anything. When I went to sign on I was told I was unfit to work and I went on a downwards spiral.”

He remarried and had four children with his second wife, but he says living with him caused her to have a mental breakdown herself and she left the family home three years ago.

They are now trying to patch up their relationship and he is feeling optimistic about the future.

He said: “For the first time, I feel in control of my life again. My wife leaving me snapped me out of my stupor. I decided I had to get off the medication to look after my four children at home.

“I had always been interested in computers. When I was 10 my dad’s friend gave me a computer manual and I wrote a new computer programme for his business before I was 11.  I kept up my interest and became the personal IT helpdesk for all my family and friends. They brought all their computing problems to me and I fixed them – I just didn’t get paid. I studied a couple of night courses to get the qualifications I needed but I still didn’t know how to make it work as a job for me.

“Now I am earning money doing the thing I love. I couldn’t have done it without Barry at A4e. He guided me through it and I am still in contact with him.”

A4e is delivering the Work Programme on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Job Centre Plus.

The Work Programme, now in its second year of operation, provides tailored support for unemployed customers who need more help to undertake active and effective job-seeking.

Over the last year, A4e has been working hard to establish an excellent team of professional staff with a range of specialist skills to support individuals across the UK. The flexibility given to service providers by the Work Programme has meant that A4e has been able to create a number of innovative programmes and specialist training to support local customers.

For more details on Richard’s business, which does website design, computer programmes, PC repairs and upgrades and one-to-one computer training, go to www.argo-it.co.uk

Jobseekers will get the chance to impress around 25 top employers at the event on April 17,   being held by Sheffield public service provider A4e at their Queens House offices.

The companies will take the time to speak to hundreds of prospective candidates who are working closely with the city’s dedicated A4e Work Programme team to get off benefits and into a job.

Sheffield Utd’s Dan Bennett said: “We will be looking for people with a healthy interest in sport, and especially football, for our Sport Relief programme.

“We offer a number of City and Guilds courses at levels 1 to 3, which could lead to a career in sport, in coaching or elsewhere. The students study at our Bramall Lane ground and our Academy in Shirecliff. We will also be looking to recruit people on a voluntary basis at the club.

“For us, the fair offers a great opportunity to meet people out there who are keen to work but who might not have thought of a career in sport or to apply for our courses.”

Other national and local businesses attending the fair at A4e in Queen Street, Sheffield, include the Hilton hotel group, the Subway sandwich chain, Poundland, Direct Health, Shelter and Brook Street.

Last year, 13 employers attended the first ever A4e Sheffield jobs fair and hundreds of jobseekers walked away with job interviews in their diaries.

This year, almost twice as many companies will be looking to hire, offering even more opportunities.

A4e advisor  Brett Hudson said:  “This year we are looking to deliver a massive event where A4e will be contributing to both companies and customers. For businesses we are providing the opportunity to recruit top quality staff at absolutely no cost.  This is a real one-off opportunity for local companies to meet their prospective employees face to face, out of an interview situation, which helps them to see the real person, not just what they look like on paper.

“At this event we have provided specialist trainers and advisors to help clients with the application process. This will be key to speeding up the turnaround time of the recruitment process for both parties.  Also we will have the support of some of our close partners to provide advice on apprenticeships and NVQ assessing, and the Money Advice Service will be on hand.

“This event will help to improve the lives of so many clients here at A4e.”

The fair is open to jobseekers who have been referred to A4e Sheffield through the Government’s Work Programme, after being unemployed for six months or more. They are invited to attend by their advisors.

At last November’s event, Chazelle Johnson, 19, was one of the lucky candidates to get her first step on the ladder, in her dream career in care.

The former call centre worker was studying health and social care but struggling to find relevant employment because of her lack of experience.

However, she was able to prove her worth in a face-to-face meeting with the nursing agency Mears Care at the fair and was invited in for an interview. She was offered a job the next day.

She said: “I feel so relieved and lucky to find a job I really wanted.”

Over the last year, A4e has been working hard to establish an excellent team of professional staff with a range of specialist skills to support people trying to get back into work across the UK. They devote time and resources to understanding the needs and skills of each individual and use their own initiative, plus innovative programmes and specialist training, to help them find a job and stay in it.

A4e is delivering the Work Programme on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus.

The new Business Wales Mentoring Service aims to create a network of business mentors who can guide people through the pitfalls and pleasures of managing a business.

Over the next three years, Business Wales Mentoring expects to attract up to 1,000 mentors from a diverse range of industries acrossWales.

Business Wales Mentoring was launched in October 2012 by Welsh Government’s Department for Business,Enterprise, Technology and Science (BETS) and public service provider A4e has been given the task of building up this network of business mentors and assisting them in the role.

Business Wales Mentor Co-ordinator Lynne Morgan said: “This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for mentors to help businesses inWalesand get the satisfaction that comes from giving something back to the community.

“Each mentor will become part of a recognised, credible mentoring organization, where they will have the flexibility to decide when they are available to mentor, who they mentor and how often.”

Mentor Co-ordinator Sarah-Jane Lupton added: “There are so many business people who have a strong business plan but perhaps, through a lack of experience and not knowing the right people and about all the services available to them, might not be reaching their full potential.”

 “Many people running a business say that they feel very lonely and isolated. Juggling day-to-day issues, it’s easy to lose sight of their original goals. Sometimes, all they need is a sounding board to give them a bit of guidance and encouragement and help them feel they’re heading in the right direction.

“Our mentors are likely to have experienced all the emotions and dilemmas they’re going through and will be in a good position to help them find the solutions they need. They’ll be able to help their mentee manage day-to-day issues as well devote time and individual attention to them to help them take a broader view of their business and take control of their own careers.”

Business Wales Mentoring is accessible throughoutWales, with A4e’s specialist Mentor Co-ordinators working closely with the new Business Wales service. A4e already delivers the successful New Enterprise Allowance scheme inWales.

BusinessWalescentres will provide one-to-one advice, business events and workshops, international trade support and information and guidance on procurement and winning contracts and signposting to relevant public, private or voluntary sector support.

A series of induction workshops aimed at giving advice and guidance to experienced professionals who are interested in becoming a mentor begin this month and will be held in all 22 local authority areas.

At the launch event in the Senedd last year, Business Minister Edwina Hart said she was convinced that small and medium sized businesses were the key to securingWales’ future economic growth.

She said: “Many new and existing businesses need expert help to guide them through the business maze. Such a variety of skills are needed to achieve success and today’s climate makes it even more vital that companies access all the information and advice available to them.”

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or would like further information please see www.businesswalesmentoring.org.uk

If you would like to speak to one of our specialist Coordinators about how you or your organisation could benefit from joining Business Wales Mentoring please contact

Lynne on LynneMorgan@a4e.co.uk  07540675597 or Sarah-Jane on SLupton@a4e.co.uk  07717518699

Her earliest emails, sent after A4e trainer Diane arranged for Debra to attend a free English and Maths course at a Alton college in September last year, betray her nerves. “I have to have an interview before I can start which is a nightmare as I am not confident in them,” Debra wrote.

However, just a month later, Debra had already begun to flourish, telling Diane: “I am flying through my Maths work and even helping other people in the class.”

By the following month, excited Debra told Diane: “There is a lot changing in my life just now and it is all for the better. I can’t thank you enough.”

And just before Christmas, unable to contain her happiness, she wrote again. “I am being entered at the highest level for both English and maths. Both are level 2.”

Speaking about her journey, Debra said: “I am a different person today – and I owe that to my A4e trainer. When I first came onto JCPSC, I was feeling pretty low. I was working as a cleaner in Surrey but moved toAndoverto live with my cousin when I was promised a job there. When I arrived, the address I’d been given for the job turned out to be fake. The whole thing was a hoax.

I am a different person today – and I owe that to my A4e trainer. When I first came onto JCPSC, I was feeling pretty low…

“Diane helped me put together a CV and enrolled me on a course doing maths and English, which I have now passed. Things have changed so much for me. Along with the course, I started going to zumba classes – it’s a fitness class with Latin dance – and that has improved my confidence no end.”

Armed with her new CV, Debra quickly landed a job as a supervisor for the Original Factory Shop inAlton, Hampshire.

Debra added: “People who speak to me now say that I come across as cheerful and confident, so I must have changed – but you wouldn’t have said that about me three months ago.”

Diane Andrews the JCPSC trainer added:

“I am absolutely delighted at Deb’s success and wish her to continue to fulfil her dream”

JCPSC is delivered in Hampshire, Isle of White, Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire by A4e trainers and also Partners. Diane works in Bracknelland Guildford, an area which also covers Aldershot,Alton, Bordon, Farnborough and Petersfield.

Susan Green

A4e is delighted to announce that Suzanne Green, a personal career coach with A4e Skills Wales, has been named Best Female Business Newcomer at the prestigious Welsh Women Who Mean Business Awards 2013 in Wales.

Suzanne bowled over the judges after launching a successful film-making business – which she balances with her work on the A4e’s Families Programme in North Wales.

She was awarded the top prize at glittering awards ceremony on March 8 – International Women’s Day – at the Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort in Hensol, Pontyclun.

“Its a really exciting time, but it’s easy to get overexcited in this business, and being on the Families Programme in Rhyl helps me to keep grounded,” said Suzanne.

“I love working as part of the North Wales Skills Team. They are a really dedicated group of people and it’s been a pleasure to interact with them and all my families on the programme.”

Suzanne is based at the A4e office in Wellington Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire where she is works with families on the Economically Inactive Families (EIF) Programme.

Last year, Suzanne also set up Fierce Cat Media Ltd and, with the help of the Welsh Government Creative Industries, and the company now supports three full time employees as well as a small army of freelance writers, cast and crew.

Fierce Cat Media’s growing film slate has attracted the attention of the world famous Italian film director Flaminia Graziadei  who is now attached to a future project due to be filmed in Italy later this year.

“All of this has been a bit of a whirlwind, it wasn’t planned” said Suzanne. “I kind of fell into the media industry from a chance conversation with a Hollywood producer, he said that as an ex-lawyer, teacher and manager, I had the necessary skill set to be a producer, so I sort of went with it.”

Suzanne said her nomination for the WWMB Awards ‘came out of the blue’.

“Of course, my reaction was initial surprise followed by immense pride in my team as without them and their support none of this would be possible,” she said.

“After I was shortlisted, I had to go through an interview with the judging panel, which turned out to be quite groundbreaking for them as I was in Berlin at the time and it was the first Skype one they had ever attempted.”

Her team is currently working on a TV series and has three films in production, a thriller called The Final Haunting, The Devils Alchemist, a love story set around the kidnap of the Italian premier Aldo Moro in 1978, and Saved by Saddam, a true life dramatisation of a British woman taken hostage during the first Gulf conflict.

And, never one to sit still, Suzanne has also written three novels, 12 screenplays and is currently in discussions with a Canadian television broadcasting network about a TV drama series.

However, despite her success Suzanne is still devoted to bringing her unique skills to the Families Programme.

“I truly believe in the quality of the Families programme and having worked with some really challenging families, I have seen first hand that this ground up approach has really changed peoples lives and I am proud to have been able to participate,” she said.

The Families Programme is a three year project, which was launched in November 2010, and is funded by Big Lottery Fund money, European Social Funds and the Welsh European Funding Office. A4e is contracted to engage with 200 inactive families who face multiple barriers that prevent them from entering employment and training and aims to deliver a flexible and personalised service to equip individuals with the skills and attributes that will enable them to progress in learning and sustain a job for the rest of their working life.

Jessica Lee MP, the Member of Parliament for Erewash, visited constituents and participants of the Work Programme at A4e in Derby to celebrate International Women’s Day 2013.

The Conservative MP told women gathered at the local event; “It’s really great to see women rising to meet the equality challenge.  It is a great honour to be here at A4e supporting women in the workplace and those seeking new training and job opportunities.  I wish all participants every future success.”

Mrs Lee delivered her rousing speech during a visit to the London Road offices of public service provider A4e to meet job-seekers on the Government’s Work Programme – which provides tailored support for unemployed people who need more help to undertake active and effective job-seeking.

She also extended an invitation to job-seekers to see her parliamentary work, and said: “Westminster now has more women MP’s than at any point in history and a lot of cross-party work is devoted to supporting women. I am happy for constituents to shadow me and would indeed encourage more women to learn about opportunities in public service.  Getting involved with local community groups or the local councils is a good place to start.”

More than 30 customers and staff attended the gathering to mark International Women’s Day, and took the chance to listen to Mrs Lee and three other inspirational speakers. Among them was Sarah Smith, A4e’s Enterprise Coach, who spoke about self-employment, and Rebecca Simmonds, Regional Director for A4e.

Mrs Lee also heard from Sonia Kondel, an A4e customer who is working with Sarah Smith to set up a beauty business.

A4e Local Business Leader Nicola Freeman urged women to come forward to seize opportunities available to them on the Work Programme.

She said: “Today’s event was a day to recognise the importance of women in the work place and society.  Women play a major part in our workforce at all levels, I know this event has helped our female customers to realise both their aspirations and potential.”

Nicola added: “We are really proud of the work we are doing in the town, of our team and of the people we are helping, and we were pleased to be able to demonstrate this to our MP. 

“It was a very positive visit and a great chance for some of the job-seekers we support to speak directly to their local representative about their experiences.”

A4e has been working hard to establish an excellent team of professional staff with a range of specialist skills to support individuals across the UK. The flexibility given to providers of the Work Programme has meant that A4e has been able to create a number of innovative programmes and specialist training to support local customers.

A4e delivers the Work Programme in Ms Lee’s constituency and across the East Midlands on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus.