An incredible 8,000 people have started work in Greater Manchester under the AGMA Future Jobs Fund (FJF), the largest programme of its type in the country, in 16 months since the scheme began in November 2009.

The ten AGMA councils, Jobcentre Plus and key partners like GMPTE, GM Police, Manchester Solutions and the NHS have worked in partnership to give unemployed young people a chance to enter the labour market.   It has been a great success across Greater Manchester and, since it started, long term unemployment for 18-24 year olds in Greater Manchester has gone down by 40 per cent.

Here are some of them:

All these pictures were taken by Wigan photographer Mark O'Brien (below) who said: “When I finished university I found it very hard to get into full time employment. Potential employers looked for at least a years work experience for graphic design and I just didn't have it. When I got onto the FJF I was thrilled to find myself working as a graphic designer and photographer for Wigan Council. Here I was given support, training and experience working in a busy workplace fulltime.
“By the end of my contract I'd been given training to improve my design software skills, photography skills and my customer service along with advice on setting up my business. I've now got everything I need to work as a freelancer and a much more impressive CV to show when applying for jobs.”

Before starting a contract with New Economy, Rose Taylor, from Manchester, did a pre-apprentice course with Skills Solutions and completed a Technical Certificate in Business Administration.

But her future seemed to speed in a vicious circle and she needed a work place to gain her NVQ Level 2 which would qualify her for a job. But employers wouldn’t take her on because they wanted someone with experience.

She said: "I was referred by my job centre for an FJF job at New Economy and after a second interview I had secured myself a placement. My time with New Economy has given me the work experience and the confidence I need to prosper in the work environment. My future looks promising thanks to FJF, I’ve almost completed my NVQ 2 and I’m awaiting feedback for a job on the UK Census as an administrator."

Rose Taylor
Admin Assistant

Carl Green from Wigan  is a qualified Bricklayer and was finding it hard to find work in the construction industry in the current economic climate. He had been looking for work in this field since becoming unemployed, but to no avail.
Carl was referred to i2i in Wigan for the Operations Assistant position at The Centurions Stadium at Leigh Sports Village and he saw this as an opportunity to broaden his skills base as he would need to undertake not only brickwork, but also joinery, plumbing and electrical work.
Carl was successful, and from the start showed enthusiasm and commitment to the job and a willingness to absorb information and undertake training.
Following an extension to his initial 6 month contract, Carl was given the opportunity to apply for a permanent position with Leigh Sports Village. He has recently found out that he was successful at interview and will be starting in the first week in April!
Carl says, “I am glad that I got the Future Jobs Fund position here and I'm enjoying it. I have learned a lot...electrics, plumbing, joinery and other skills that I know have helped me to gain my new job.”

Callum Monks , from Gorton started with the Future Jobs Fund on 01/11/2011 at Manchester City Council Neighbourhood Services as a Trainee General Roadworker. He’d been out of work for over 6 months as he’d been struggling to get back into the construction industry. Callum attended all of his employability training and was described as a hard worker by his line manager Paul McCarrick. Throughout his employment Callum was always helpful and had a good attention to detail. On Monday 28/03/2011 Callum started a permanant job at Mansell's Drylining and Plastering Contractors in Denton, working on a building schools for the future contract. Callum is really pleased to be back on site again and is feeling confident about his future.

Dominic Walker, from Oldham, has been awarded a full time contract with Regenda Landscapes, after impressing the team during a six months placement there as part of the Future Jobs Fund Scheme.
After being unemployed for over six months, Dominic became eligible for the scheme and successfully applied for the placement at Regenda Landscapes, taking up the position in June 2010.
Darrel Rogers, Grounds Maintenance Co-ordinator at Regenda Landscapes commented, “Dominic impressed us from the beginning. He is punctual, enthusiastic and has a great attitude, showing a real interest in developing his career.”
During the placement Dominic worked hard and developed new skills, gaining a qualification in basic tree climbing and performing aerial rescue and a certificate of competence in wood chipper operations.
Now part of a two man team with tree surgeon David Fairs, Dominic regularly works at Regenda’s properties across the North West to ensure that the trees are properly cared for, removing diseased and overhanging branches and encouraging healthy growth.
“After leaving school I went to college and then worked in the construction industry until I was made redundant in December 2009. When I saw the opportunity to gain work experience with Regenda Landscapes it sounded really interesting and I decided I’d like to give it a try. I’m really enjoying it - I like climbing and working with David to treat the trees. It’s great to see the results once you’ve finished,” added Dominic.

THE Future Jobs Fund (FJF) has received a ringing endorsement from trainee civil engineer John Edwards. Thanks to the opportunities it offers, he is back where he wants to be - on site.

He said: “FJF has been invaluable to me. It’s taken me off the dole and given me a job and hope. I would recommend it to anyone.”

John (24), from Droylsden, had completed the first year of an HND course in civil engineering when he was laid off. He was forced to give up his house and move back in with his parents before he learned about the Future Jobs Fund from the television.

He explained: “I tried for all sorts of jobs but no one wanted to know. Then I heard someone on the news talking about FJF and I took it up with my adviser at the Job Centre. That led to an interview with Tameside Council and I gained a placement with the civil engineering service.”

John’s work has included computer-aided design, setting out and topographical surveying. He has worked on three major projects including Building Schools for the Future; the Richmond Park cycle track, Ashton; and the Birch Lane local highway safety scheme, Dukinfield.

He impressed his council supervisors so much that they secured him a secondment opportunity with Dew Construction and he is now working on the Ashton Northern Bypass.

John said: “I have a contract until September with the potential to stay on if Dew get more work.

“Whatever happens I’m in a much better position to find a permanent job. Just the references I’ll get should stand me in incredible stead. Everything seems to be positive. I’ve worked hard and got the job done and I think I’ve impressed my employers who seem to be happy.”

Nicola Davenport from Bolton, had been struggling to get back into work after recovering from a broken ankle. Nicola had previous experience in cleaning roles but saw the vacancy at Bolton WISE for a Catering Assistant and was successfully appointed to the post.
While employed on FJF Nicola showed a real flair for supporting the people on learning programme at WISE and started to do her PTLS Certificate so she could work with trainees in the community Café.

At the café, EatWISE, Nicola worked really well with trainees, pupils and young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.and when a full time job was advertised as a Training Supervisor Nicola applied and was successful in gaining a permanent position . Nicola now works in the Community Café supporting up to 6 students a day to make breakfasts, lunches, cakes and provide a buffet service which is all done under Nicolas supervision. Nicola says that the FJF Project has made a big difference to her life. Until starting work at EatWISE Nicola had never dreamed she could become a tutor but now she has her sights firmly set on completing the full set of teaching qualifications.