A Christian jewellery company has teamed up with The Salvation Army to offer young people hope of finding a job.
The Silver Fish Company, based in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, is offering four
young people between the ages of 18 and 24 training and employment. It will be providing mentoring, training and employment for young long-term unemployed at its workshop, where it crafts Bible-inspired jewellery.The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus UK scheme is funding each position, which has been given cash after winning a contract under the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.
Norma Murrain, who runs The Silver Fish Company, said she was delighted to be taking part and helping people gain new skills to improve their chances of finding work.
She said: “Each position is funded for six months per delegate and the aim is to provide mentoring, training and employment for young long-term unemployed people.
“Successful applicants will be based at our workshops in Vyse Street where they will be trained in jewellery making. I’m really excited about this new project. I hope that they will come to know God’s love and care during our time together as well as learning a new skill and becoming more employable.”
Norma added that she hoped the new skills gained by those who are chosen for the scheme would make finding a job easier.
Nichola Nunn, 20, from Worcester (above, third from left) is one of the four apprentices who successfully gained a place as an apprentice.
The former shop worker said: “After one week I felt like I’d been here for years. It has been a real blessing and I’m learning new skills that I will be able to use to find a new job. I feel really comfortable and it’s great to work somewhere where I can be open about my faith and can share my faith.”
Major Ivor Telfer, director of Employment Plus UK, said: “The Salvation Army is pleased that, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, we have been able to help long-term unemployed young people make a new start and find work.
“We send our congratulations and best wishes to all the new employees at the Silver Fish Company and we look forward to helping more young people into meaningful employment in the coming months.”
