New JOB CLUB Opening soon in THURSO

25th September 2010

A new Job Club is opening on October 1st, for people in and around the Thurso area.

In conjunction with the national economic downturn, the local socio-economic issues surrounding the rundown of the local Dounreay site, prompted Ormlie Community Association (OCA) to take on such a venture, believing there to be a notable gap for Job Seekers in the community.

OCA, in partnership with local charity 'Everybody Online', having successfully secured related funding from the Highland Council and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, is due to open the doors of its' 'Ormlie Job Club' to members on Friday October 1st. Initially weekly drop-in sessions (between 1000 & 1200) will be held in the Computer Room, at the Ormlie Community Centre, but through time it is hoped that members will take on board the opportunity to join regular peer-support groups, and attend training sessions planned for the future.

Mandy Swan, who OCA has recently appointed as its 'Job Club Co-ordinator', hopes that Job Seekers will come along and see what's on offer. She says, " We really hope that Job Seekers, of all ages and working histories, will embrace the Job Club as an opportunity to meet with others, enhance their job-hunting skills, and share job-hunting ideas and experiences. Although there aren't a lot of job vacancies in the county at the moment, we hope that the Ormlie Job Club will give people the opportunity to enhance their employability skills for when suitable positions do come along. Additionally we hope that by working closely with other local groups, employers and volunteers, that Ormlie Job Club will provide a forum for individuals to regain/strengthen their self-esteem and confidence for the future."

Helen Allan, OCA's Acting Manager added, "Local people are losing jobs - in many cases, jobs that they have done for most of their lives. We believe that the Ormlie Job Club will help unemployed people with the personal and practical help, skills and encouragement they need to be more prepared for the 'job-market' as quickly as possible. We hope that people will drop-in for a chat on Friday mornings, and take advantage of the free individual support that's on offer."

The Job Club will offer a variety of services including advice on interview techniques, CV and cover letter writing, presentation skills and training opportunities. As well as supporting job-hunting searches, the club will also highlight local education and volunteering opportunities for members, and promote IT and internet training through OCA's partnership with 'Everybody Online'.

For further information about the Ormlie Job Club - please contact OCA's Job Club Co-ordinator, Mandy Swan by e-mail - ormliejobclub[AT]sky.com, or any of the OCA team on 01847 891789.