More than 3,700 people from across Hull and the East Riding have received support to apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and secure employment, thanks to services at the Green Port Hub.
Run by the Green Port Growth Programme Skills and Employment team, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, The Hub is equipped with IT pods so jobseekers can search for employment opportunities and apply for jobs online. The team at The Hub offers assistance with job applications, CV writing and interview skills.
One person who used the services of The Hub to secure a role at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is Rachel Morton, 32, from east Hull. After her contract at a caravan manufacturer came to an end in March, a friend recommend she visited The Hub to learn about job opportunities in manufacturing and engineering.
Rachel commented:
“The team at The Hub were great. They asked me all about myself and what I enjoyed before running through details of jobs they thought might appeal – out of which my current role as a Service Operative, assisting production of turbine blades, really stood out.
“They then helped me create an online profile with Siemens Gamesa, which you need to apply for roles. I also updated my CV and crafted a cover letter, that really made the most of my experience and gave me the best possible chance of getting through to the interview stage. I was even given assistance with interview techniques.
“I’m two months in to my role and every week that goes by I love it more and more. It was the learning on the job that first attracted me and now passing on that learning to others that is my big motivation for the future. I’ve had a great experience from beginning to end with the Hub and I’ve sent quite a few people down there already – I really would recommend it to anybody.”
In addition, 410 local companies, 636 employees and 776 apprentices have been supported by the team at The Hub, through the Green Port Growth Programme.
To meet the needs of the emerging renewable energy sector, the programme offers the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy, Disadvantaged Wage Subsidy and Upskilling Fund to increase the strength of the local engineering and manufacturing workforce and raise skills levels. The Upskilling Fund supports 50% of training costs for courses at Level 3 or above, and the Disadvantaged Wage Subsidy offers a 20% funding towards one year’s salary for disadvantaged employees.
The team at The Hub also manages the successful Pathway to Employment programme. The scheme provides 10 weeks of training and work experience to the long-term unemployed, and was introduced last year to supply workers to firms in Hull and the East Riding. So far, 139 people have completed the programme, with 81 securing full-time jobs.
Bob Ferraby, Manager for the Green Port Growth Programme Skills and Employment team, commented:
“The Hub has evolved since opening in 2015, when our services were centred on the Siemens blade factory on Alexandra Dock and its workforce recruitment. Now, we’ve broadened our offering to incorporate all manufacturing, engineering and energy companies in the region. The advertising of roles, along with support with job applications and CV writing, has made The Hub a go-to place for those looking for work in these sectors.
“Not only do we help jobseekers, but also businesses. Whether it’s finding their next employee or sourcing funding towards workforce training, we want manufacturing and engineering firms to know it’s not all about renewables and offshore wind. We would encourage them to come and talk to us to see what we can offer.”
Rebekah Shepherd, Human Resources Manager at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, said added:
“The Hub is a great recruitment stream for us. The team of advisors there have helped so many create profiles for our online jobs portal, meaning we have a large database of candidates at our fingertips. The quality of applicants is also high, due to the support given to draft CVs and prepare for interviews.”
Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Stephen Brady, said:
“Green Port Hub is a valuable asset to the city and helps support those in need of guidance around the ever evolving jobs market, specifically within the renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.
“We know the Pathways team work extremely hard to inspire the next generation of the city’s workforce so they can work towards a solid, long-term future, and I am delighted that they are receiving well-deserved recognition for this.”
The Hub is open: Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 5pm; Wednesday, 1pm to 7.30pm; Thursday, 9.30am to 7.30pm; Friday, 9.30am to 1pm; and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Companies interested in the funding and support available should contact The Hub on 01482 613875 or email greenportenquiries@hullcc.gov.uk
