Wolves at Work has been extended into a fourth year as it celebrates reaching another major milestone.

The City of Wolverhampton Council and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employment programme has now helped more than 5,000 local people into work since March 2017.

Around 45 per cent of those gaining employment are aged 18 to 29.

More than 600 businesses have also pledged their support to Wolves at Work and, as well as providing employment opportunities, have welcomed 800 people into Sector Based Work Academies, and 397 into work experience.

Wolves at Work also offers support to care leavers, former military personnel and ex-offenders.

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: “Wolves at Work is making a major impact in terms of delivering jobs for individuals – and making a difference to their families.

“The programme is making a major impact in terms of delivering jobs for local people and we are very proud of what it is achieving.

“There is £4.4 billion of investment on site or in the pipeline in the City of Wolverhampton and it is important local people benefit from the jobs and economic growth being generated.

“We knew there were lots of people out there who were motivated and wanted to work but finding places for them and ensuring they had the support once in work is absolutely critical to the success of the project.

“It is also great to see the diversity of the people we are helping. There are lots of people from different backgrounds in different businesses – everything from chocolate making to building, from public administration to health and social care.

“A huge range of jobs have come up for people and a wide range of people have gone into those jobs.”

Jack Elson, aged 20, has been helped by Wolves at Work into a supervisor role at Nando’s, he said: “Wolves at Work has enabled me to gain employment twice and the second time the team have helped me progress into a management role. Wolves at Work can help anybody, the staff are always there when you need them.”

DWP Jobcentre Operations Leader, Dez Grant, added: “Every town or city needs a place-based approach where key stakeholders agree how and where to focus our efforts based on what local people and businesses need. 

“Wolves at Work has shown how a strong partnership can really make a difference in people lives, growing much needed skills in the area and driving business development.”

Employers have committed to Wolves at Work in different ways, with pledges to upskill their workforce.

Work coaches are on hand to help people get work ready and provide support to employers in recruitment and ensure new recruits thrive in the workplace.

Anyone interested in local jobs or employers needing recruitment support in the City of Wolverhampton can register at www.wolvesworkbox.com.