Work Match celebrates getting its 2,500th resident into a job

Wandsworth Work Match has celebrated getting its 2500th resident into a job. 

Since opening in 2013, the council’s flagship employment scheme has supported thousands of local people to access high quality training, employment support and local employment opportunities exclusively available to residents of the borough.

The 2500th successful applicant is Zohra from Battersea who got a job with Boots Beauty in Electric Boulevard, Battersea Power Station. 

She was supported by the Work Match team embedded within Battersea Power Station’s Battersea Academy for Skills & Employment (BASE) programme, a partnership which has successfully placed Wandsworth residents into a wide range of brand-new jobs created across the development since 2016.

Zohra said: “What I wanted was to change my life with a job. I feel much better mentally, and I really like my job. I am busy all the time and it’s ten minute walk from my home. The Work Match team at BASE listened to me, understood me, and gave me that chance. It is like they changed my life completely to be honest.”

Work Match offers a free recruitment service for local businesses. Melanie Ashdown, managing director of Integrated Care Support Services/AIM Solution said her business has had a relationship with Work Match for nearly a decade.

“My favourite thing is that it is a free service. Work Match screened all applications for the most recent vacancy I advertised and sent a candidate the met my requirements and more.”

Work Match also runs an extensive programme of training courses. JP wanted a career change but lacked confidence, so signed up for the Room for Work course, which helps people aged over 40 with everything from the application and interview process to career transition and identifying transferable skills. “I really enjoyed the programme, my confidence grew and I learnt valuable interview and job seeking skills,” said JP, who is now in full-time employment.

Cllr Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “We want local job opportunities to go to Wandsworth residents. Work Match does a great job of helping match jobseekers with local vacancies, and with making sure they get the skills they need to apply. It’s completely free, so get in touch to see how they can help you.”

Work Match is holding monthly pop-up information sessions in Battersea about jobs available locally in the construction industry – including for people who have never worked in construction before. 

The sessions will be at:

The ROSE Community Clubroom (10am-1pm) on March 13, April 17, May 15 and June 12.
To book your free slot email paolo.buceti@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

And at Cromwell Hub community centre (2pm-4pm) on March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, May 15, May 29 and June 12. To book your free slot email emily.payne@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Find out how Wandsworth Work Match can help you 

Call 020 8871 5191
Email wandsworthworkmatch@wandsworth.gov.uk 
View vacancies at wandsworthworkmatch.org