| |
About Marks and Start
|
|
| |
Updated January 2008
Marks & Spencer's scheme is boosting lone parents' confidence and helping them move into work...
Marks & Start is the largest work experience programme in the UK. Lone parents who've taken part in the programme tell us that it has given them a confidence boost, a sense of direction, purpose, and a new awareness of the help that's on offer - and, of course, a reference from one of the most respected high street names.
Here is what parents who have taken part themselves have to say: Julie Richie, Sandra Johnstone, Karen Wallder.
For more information call freephone 0800 652 3166. Also see oneparentfamilies.org.uk/marksandspencer
How does it work?
Lone Parents Returning to Work offers a powerful combination of a three-day pre employment course and hands-on work experience, which greatly improves the chances of getting a job.
In just three weeks most parents develop by leaps and bounds. Travel costs and meals are paid for by Marks & Spencer, and a uniform is provided too. Each participant is allocated a buddy - similar to a mentor - to provide friendly support during the work experience placement.
About the programme
One Parent Families|Gingerbread is a key delivery partner for the Lone Parents Returning to Work strand of Marks & Start.
The scheme has helped over 900 lone parents, with almost 47 per cent of participants having found jobs either with Marks & Spencer or elsewhere.
Chris Hills, Innovations and Partnerships Director at OPF|GB says, 'In the ten years that I've worked for One Parent Families|Gingerbread I've never known an employment programme as successful as Marks & Start. We've often found that our employability training can be a real boost to the confidence and motivation of many lone parents, but the direct link into a quality work placement with a major company adds a vital extra ingredient. Somehow the transition into work is less daunting once you've shown to yourself and others that you can operate successfully in the world of work'.
Marks & Spencer have put research showing the emotional benefits of work on their website under www.marksandspencer.com/marksandstart
Thanks
We would like to thank One Parent Families Scotland, One Family (Dublin), Gingerbread Northern Ireland, ScoopAid (Sheffield), and the Salford Foundation for being such great partners in helping to deliver the programme in their local communities.
|
...Back to previous page
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
