Launched as a collaborative effort between businesses, Job Centre Plus, charities, and education providers, Norfolk for Jobs is designed to help more people into work and support employers in North West Norfolk in filling job vacancies and providing solutions to local skills gaps.
The initiative offers a range of support including Training and Development, partnering with colleges and training providers to equip people with industry-relevant skills, and work experience to build confidence and expertise. This has seen great success so far with 242 local activities such as jobs fairs and recruitment events taking place since July 2024, and since April 2024 the scheme has delivered 28 sector -based work academy programmes with over 90 participants.
James helped launch this scheme as part of his focus on growing the local economy and boosting local jobs. Unemployment in Norfolk is below the national average but a key issue raised by local companies has been filling jobs available. Key barriers that local people cite that are holding them back including a lack of confidence, transport, and the need for more flexible recruitment processes and more support to get ready for interviews and work.
Norfolk for Jobs has highlighted the importance of sectors such as construction and the visitor economy to North West Norfolk. As one of our area’s largest industries, tourism and hospitality can be often overlooked as long-term careers for local people. One of Norfolk for Jobs partners Visit East of England (VENI) is striving to change this by offering training to local people in catering and hospitality and encourage careers in these fields.
Local employers can support the Norfolk for Jobs Scheme by working closely with the Jobcentre Plus team, and partners to offer work experienced, apprenticeships and internships, work trials, guaranteed interviews and sector-based work academy placements to help more people develop skills and move into jobs.
In King’s Lynn alone there are 415 employers on the Employer Adviser Account helping with recruitment. I strongly encourage all local employers to get involved to support on offer and boost our local economy.
To get involved please contact [email protected]
Speaking about Norfolk for Jobs, James Wild said:
“Norfolk for Jobs is a vital step to connecting job seekers with opportunities, helping to build confidence and skills while strengthening the local economy. By uniting businesses, Jobcentre Plus, and community partners, it has unlocked many new opportunities locally to reduce unemployment locally.”
