The Employment Hub

Chris Holmes, 56, is an assembly operative at Siemens. He spent 31 years with BAE Systems as a machinist and assembly fitter on programmes including the Hawk, Harrier and Nimrod, before being made redundant in 2011. He lives in North Lincolnshire.

"I’d read a lot in the news about the Siemens development at Alexandra Dock in Hull since the project was announced, but it was only last year, when they promoted their recruitment days, that I started to think seriously about applying for a role there.

"Being in the manufacturing industry most of my working life, I knew a few people who were also interested, so we all decided to go down to the recruitment events and find out a bit more about the opportunities available. Since being made redundant in 2011 when BAE Systems’ Brough site ceased production of the Nimrod, I’d just picked up work where I could. I’d done driving jobs and worked a quality inspector, which wasn’t utilising the skills I had built up in my career. I thought Siemens could be a new challenge for me.

"I was able to ask questions, gather information and find out more about the Siemens’ job application process at the recruitment events. I was given a link to the company’s recruitment portal, where I could submit an online application. However, my IT skills are limited to say the least, so when I attempted to apply for jobs online, I didn’t have much luck. That’s when I booked an appointment with a team member at the Green Port Hub, at Hull’s Central Library, to get some guidance.

"The team at The Hub were fantastic. Not only did they guide me through the Siemens application process, but they also took the time to review my CV and give me a few pointers to help tailor it for the roles I was interested in.

"The advice I was given was so valuable. Once my applications were submitted, I was notified at each stage of the process as to whether I needed to undertake a test, whether I’d reached the next stage, or whether I’d been shortlisted for interview, as well as given news of any new vacancies. The communication was excellent and everything ran smoothly, as the training I’d been given at The Hub meant I could manage this all from my desk at home.

"In April, I was delighted to find out that I’d secured a role as an assembly operative in the finishing section of the turbine factory. It’s going to be a new challenge for me and will give me a new chance at working life at the age of 56. I start on July 20th and cannot wait.”

Holly gained a mechanical assemblies fitter position with Hull-based The Water Hydraulics Company Ltd after leaving school.

Holly has been in the role for three years and is completing her Level 3 Engineering and Manufacture apprentice framework. She is the company’s only female engineer and is responsible for assembling pumps, motors and valves for water hydraulics systems used across the world.

After discovering a passion for engineering while at school, Holly Dyson enrolled at Hull Training after her GCSEs in the hope of securing an apprenticeship in the sector.

"The opportunities for women in engineering are not showcased enough. From the hands-on, problem-solving elements that I love, to the creative design processes, there is so much choice. The career prospects are endless too. I can move into different areas of engineering to broaden my skills, across a variety of industries.”

Michael King, 56, from west Hull, was unemployed for over four years before enrolling on the Pathway to Employment programme.

He was offered a job as an operative with Atlas Leisure Homes at the end of his placement there.

"I'd spent most of my life as a semi-skilled joiner, working on contracts all over the country. It was when a project I was working on in London came to an end that I found myself unemployed and struggling to find work.

"It's so pleasing to be back into work. I feel as though I have got some self respect back and I'm enjoying my new role. I'm learning new things every day and building on my existing skills.”

Living near the Siemens development at Alexandra Dock in Hull, Nicola had heard a lot about the job opportunities it would bring.

"With a background in both renewable energy and manufacturing, I thought a career there would suit me perfectly. I applied for a role online and took an online test, but was unsuccessful.

"It was only through the team at The Hub that I was urged to try again. They explained that while Siemens had filled the vacancy for the role I applied for, there were plenty more opportunities that would require the experience I had. I was encouraged to apply for multiple roles.

"The team suggested I tailor my CV to each job and built an online profile to improve my chances. They helped me update my CV and gave me a few handy hints and tips for my next online application. The advice I was given was so valuable."