Wheatsheaf’s Employment Access Centre in Bernard Street, Southampton has had a make-over.

Designed by Information, Advice and Guidance Coordinator Tracy Barrett, the centre now has 15 work stations, each with its own computer.

Tracy: “The new layout makes the centre much more spacious. It makes it much easier to work with clients as before we often had to stretch across them. We also have a quiet corner where clients can discuss personal or delicate issues in confidence.

“The clients love it. They’ve said it’s well laid out and very professional looking.”

The changes were needed to accommodate the growing number of clients using the centre.

Jonathan Cheshire, Wheatsheaf’s Chief Executive, says, “The centre has been redesigned so we are fully prepared for the Jobcentre Plus (JCP) Support programme which starts this month. The work was done by the first trainees taking part in our Future Jobs project. They have worked really hard and done a very good job.”

The Jobcentre Plus Support contract provides training and support in job-search for the longer-term unemployed, lone parents and newly redundant clients. The Future Jobs Fund is a Department of Works and Pension programme, providing supported employment to 18-24 year-olds for a six month period.

Both of these programmes have enabled Wheatsheaf to respond to the unprecedented conditions in the labour market during the current economic recession.

Coupled with the new-look for the centre, opening hours have also been extended. The centre is now open 9.30-12.30 and 1.00-4.00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (closed 12.30-1.00)

For more information about either the JCP Support programme or the Future Jobs Fund contact Jackie Powers, Deputy Chief Executive, on 023 8023 7662.

For more information about the Employment Access Centre and the facilities available, contact Tracy Barrett on 023 8022 3345.

The photo shows Wheatsheaf’s trainees from the Future Jobs Fund programme who carried out the EAC make-over.