Longwood Park Residents 'Flying High' After Job Seminar

Longwood Park, an award-winning, innovative self-managing community in Langley, Berkshire, has had tremendous results to an employment seminar it organised last month. The event was organised, in partnership with the Employment and Enterprise team at Slough Borough Council, to provide employment stimulus and motivation to its residents.

The seminar was very well attended, with over 30 residents learning about employment and training opportunities in Slough and other available sources of help to gain employment. Out of those that did attend, 10% were given places on the BAA Heathrow Academy for Training. This is a nine day pre-employment course which includes modules on customer service, team working, communication, health & safety and manual handling. Following completion of the training, successful candidates are interviewed by BAA Heathrow's Retail Academy staff and matched to vacancies.

Another two residents impressed so much that they were immediately recommended for permanent positions at Heathrow Airport, whilst a further two have now gone on to secure other positions of permanent employment through Hays Recruitment.

Others attendees were inspired to commit to seeking employment. Fulltime mother, Donna Curley said, "I found the day to be very interesting and made some useful contacts. I have made an appointment to help develop my CV and am looking forward it getting back into the job market after an extended absence."

Radian, who supports Longwood Park, provided a Welfare Benefits Advisor and a debt counsellor from the Citizen's Advice Bureau was also present to offer residents advice and support.

Laura Sibley, Longwood Park Neighbourhood Officer said, "The job seminar was a real winner with fantastic outcomes. It is something that Radian is looking to repeat across all the areas it works in, not just here in Longwood Park."