News Article

A woman made redundant from a chemical plant is looking forward to embracing her life-long ambition of working in interior design after taking part in a project aimed at retaining skilled workers in the North East.

Talent Challenge was developed a year ago in response to demand identified by the Skills and Employment Response Group (SERG), which was set up to guide people and businesses to public sector support during the recession.

The One North East funded project aims to help drive future economic growth by ensuring talented people don’t have to leave the region to achieve their career ambitions.

Karen Randles, 45, of Chester-le-Street, had worked at the Jarrow-based company Rohm and Haas for 13 years after relocating to the region from the South East where she worked for ten years - to help strengthen sales at the plant. 

She was made redundant last August and after being referred to Talent Challenge discovered there were options for her to achieve her dream career in textiles and interior design.  She has received funding to a undergo a training course for interior design programme Vectorworks, and also to install a software package on her home computer, giving Karen confidence to continue her career development within the North East.

Karen said: “I have a real passion for design and textile design and am a member of Fusion, a regionally-based group that boasts members who come together to exhibit work we have designed. 

“However I would love to progress into the commercial side of interior design and the Talent Challenge programme has not only helped me realise that’s what I want to do but has given me the relevant funding to help me work towards achieving my career goal.

“I left school at 16 and went straight into work and regretted not following my heart into textiles so I am very grateful for the guidance and funding through Talent Challenge to help me achieve my life-time ambition.  Having relocated to the North East many years ago I am keen to stay here and pursue my new career as I love Newcastle which is also so rich in fabulous design.

“I am about to start my training next week and I’m excited as to where my future lies after that and would strongly recommend people use Talent Challenge if they have found themselves unemployed and in need of guidance and support.”
One North East has invested £4.65m in the Talent Challenge project allowing it to run until March 2012 and enable a wide range of services to be offered to the project’s key target group – professionals, managers, unemployed or under-employed graduates or highly skilled technicians who are:

• Newly unemployed (up to one year)
• Under threat of unemployment or subject to short term working
• Post Graduates who are unemployed or under-employed.

Over a three-year period it is forecast the project will safeguard 50 jobs, support at least 370 businesses, help over 3,000 people gain new employment and help over 1,600 people improve their skill levels.

Dorothy Kelly, Talent Challenge Project Manager at One North East, said: “Talent Challenge offers a hands-on approach to individuals affected by the recession, giving people real help and advice at the risk stage before they are made redundant or shortly after to ensure they are armed with a package of support to get back into work. 

“Helping people get their career back on track is at the heart of what we are doing as well as helping retain highly skilled and talented individuals in the region to ensure we are in a strong position for the economic upturn.”

The pilot service is currently being delivered by Northern Recruitment Group (NRG) which is proactively identifying individuals who could benefit from support and then carrying out in-depth tailored assessments and personal development plans. 

The NRG service also aims to provide in-depth job search techniques and funding for individuals for bespoke higher level skills provision which will support them in their search for new employment.

Therese Liddle, Managing Director of NRG, added: “We work closely with individuals to identify competencies and capabilities before developing an action plan with an ultimate aim of finding another job opportunity in the region.  In Karen’s case the help and advice has allowed her to strive for a change in career which she has a clear passion for.

“I would strongly urge such talented people affected by the recession to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can work together and help get careers back on path and benefit individuals and the region.”

For further information contact the NRG dedicated project team on 0845 481 0469 or send an email enquiry to talentmanagement@nrgplc.com

Ends

For more information, contact Alison Laggan (press office) on 0191 229 6613, mobile 07766 424400 or email alison.laggan@onenortheast.co.uk