Michael Kane from Choice with Monica Ikeke, WorkChoice participant and Maggie McCormick from Bryson FutureSkills

CHOICE and Bryson FutureSkills have renewed their commitment to boosting employment opportunities in Northern Ireland, announcing the second year of their skills and employment programme – WorkChoice 2018.

First launched in 2016, the programme aimed at upskilling people dealing with unemployment in a range of disciplines, with the ultimate aim of gaining long-term employment.

The first phase of the WorkChoice 2018 programme will see seven participants, including Choice tenants, receive ‘hands-on’ experience within Choice, in areas such as; Property Services, Finance and ICT departments and the Services Centre.

As part of the programme, participants will get the chance to study towards a recognised OCN Award in Employability level 2 through Bryson FutureSkills.

They will also receive a full-time salary during their involvement with the programme.

Lawrence Jackson Choice Group Director of Organisational Development said:

“WorkChoice is designed to propel participants towards sustainable employment, further education or training by providing practical work-based and accredited learning that are aligned with individual aspirations.

 “Experience is important for many who are looking to get into employment and this programme not only provides this but allows participants to work in an area that they would like to develop into a career.

“We are pleased to be collaborating with Bryson FutureSkills on this project and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on those taking part”.

The six-month programme is just the starting point, providing participants with the foundation to continue to develop their own employment and learning prospects.

Cathy Wilson, Bryson FutureSkills Employment and Development Manager added:

“WorkChoice has been a success in helping people gain training and new skills which are essential to help them find their way back into the workplace; we are delighted that this initiative is continuing and more people are benefitting from it.”

“The participants will leave the programme with an OCN Award in Employability Level 2 from Bryson FutureSkills, as well as transferable work skills and invaluable experience gained from working as an integral part of a team”.