“I had not worked full-time for over 20 years and was very nervous but the team at Salford Futures were really positive and supportive.”
“I participated in a voluntary placement through Salford Futures a few years ago. At the end of the placement I got lucky and a position opened up in the office I was volunteering at. I was successful in the interview and I have now been in that job for nearly 5 years.”
“I was offered a trail in the contact centre for Salford city council where I secured a full time job and Dave helped me every step of the way!”
“I gained work from doing Salford Futures.”
“If it wasn't for future jobs fund I would not have had the confidence to apply for the job I have now.”
“I am very satisfied because my work placement led to a fixed term contract job within the Council.”
“Valuable work experience. Increases self-confidence. Learn new skills.”
“It got me the office experience I needed to go on to meaningful employment.”
“Excellent service and very beneficial.”
“At the end of my placement I had an up-to-date reference and IT skills and we all received emails of job opportunities from Dave which helped me gain full-time employment. I am still employed full-time now, 18 months after completing the programme.”
“David was there to answer any questions I had no matter how little or big & always kept in touch and we are still in touch now as I still work for the council and have just taken a Salford Futures Volunteer to hopefully give them the same opportunities I had.”
“I will always be grateful to Salford Futures because they offered me a route for a professional career.”
“The Salford Futures team have been supportive from the day I went to the speed dating interview. I still receive emails of job opportunities from Dave and could call on the team for any advice around CVs, help with job applications, mock interviews etc.”
“Couldn’t have been more supportive!”
“At any time during the Salford Futures Process I was supported and even now, I know I can access support required by this team.”
“They are proactive in dealing with applicants. I do like the way the follow your progress during and after the placement.”
“There was always someone to ask for advice or any issues I may have had.”
“Well supported before, during and after the placement.”
“The team were always and still are extremely approachable and helpful. They are the first people I contact for any advice around job applications.”
“Went out of their way to make sure that applying and starting my job with the council went smoothly.”
“The team match you to a work experience based on the information you give them.”
“I didn’t have any specific requirements but I know if I did Salford Futures would help any way they could.”
“I was offered a full-time job within 4 weeks of starting my placement and am still employed now. I hadn't even had a reply from any of the jobs I had applied for before going on the programme.”
“Now permanently employed with the council after 4 years temporary contract and long term unemployment before that.”
“I have now been back at work for the past six years and it has enabled me to do activity I could not do whilst out of work through lack of spare money.”
“I secured a job through this programme so couldn’t have worked out better for me.”
“I am a different person after Salford Futures. Not only I have got a fixed term contact now, some agencies are now calling to offer some temporary positions.”
“I got everything I could want out of the placement and I am still supported now.”
“The placements are varied so cater for most people and so flexible around childcare and any other commitments. I'm not sure any other programme could offer the same levels of flexibility.”
“Salford Futures was the only one that actually got me into work.”
“I always tell people if wasn't for Salford Council I don't think I would be working now.”
“I would happily recommend Salford Futures to anyone. It can be difficult when you haven’t worked for a long time. You feel like you’ve been left behind- but this programme really helps if you can be positive and are willing to put in the effort…I have a full-time job because of this programme.”
“Without Salford Futures I wouldn't have a job now, people want up to date work experience and that was something I could never provide.”
“The committed team go the country mile to help all people that go on the scheme. They are so passionate in helping people, they identify everyone's unique abilities.”
“I found Salford Futures very helpful and it is due to them that I have now been in post for the last 3 years. Best thing I ever did!”
“Salford Futures provided me with an opportunity to gain work experience after being unemployed for 10 years. I now have employment because of that.”
“The program is excellent.”
“Salford Futures helped me to get out of the house and give back to a community that was there to help me when I was at my worst. Without the placement Salford Futures provided for me, I doubt I would have advanced with my recovery from mental health problems and I feel that Salford Futures is, in a roundabout way, the reason I am now in full time study and I will be starting University in September.”
“I had been out of work for a few years and was very nervous about interviews and starting a new job. Salford futures helped me update my cv, get interview ready & helped build my confidence. I had an 8 week placement as to which I now have a permanent job at the same place. If I had of just gone for the interview and not gone through Salford futures the probability is that I wouldn't of got that job.”
“Just thank you Salford Futures changed my life for the better and I now have a career.”
“Without Salford futures I wouldn't have gained employment.”
“I would recommend Salford futures again and again to friends and family.”
"The Electoral Services Team have utilised Salford Futures placements for a number of years and we have found the scheme to be a very rewarding two way process. The Team has been able to secure additional support during periods of high workload whilst at the same time being able to offer placements beneficial work experience, support and guidance.”
“The quality of the placements we have received has been high with a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. In response to this we support placements in learning new skills, working in a team environment and provide advice and support on job applications.”
“We are proud that several of our placements have been successful in securing employment. We have also been able to offer some placements paid, temporary employment which has added to their work experience.”
“Seeing individuals develop and move forward in their lives in very satisfying and I would encourage other teams within the Council and in partner organisations to take advantage of the Salford Futures programme."
"Salford Futures is a win-win programme, it gives the candidate much needed work experience and the chance to learn new skills for their CV and the employer the opportunity to see the candidates abilities in action. We have hosted four Salford Futures candidates in Regulatory Services, two of whom have secured fixed term contracts. The candidates are enthusiastic, motivated and work hard. It's most rewarding to see them grow in confidence. All they need is that lucky break. Go on give someone a chance you know you want to."
"A key challenge to the our service was to not only to restructure the grave digging team but also to revitalise and refresh the team in view of previous issues. This was successfully delivered both through the Salford Futures programme and the internal apprenticeship programme, resulting in two new members being recruited and now being established as part of the team."
"I have been very fortunate as a Supervisor to have met some wonderful volunteers who have either successfully gained reemployment within the Council, or have flourished with confidence to go on and further their own aspirations. They have shown commitment and have had energy to help others, getting involved with something they feel passionate about and meet new people.”
“Volunteering can bring other benefits, one being a great boost for your career. The right match can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical wellbeing.”
“It's a two way street and I feel that the success of Salford Futures has contributed to the reputation and credibility Salford City Council promote. It also helps recruitment and staff retention, improving staff morale and work performance, decreasing levels of sickness."
"As a service I've hosted several placements and all have left with experience and an understanding of dealing with customers in a diverse face to face capacity, giving them a grounding of working in any area of customer service."
Mark Wainwright (Employer) and Dylan Robinson (Apprentice) talk about Dylan's traineeship at Salford City Council.