A VACANT retail unit in the centre of St Helens has been transformed into a high-profile careers centre aimed at supporting residents who are currently out of work.

The new Ways to Work centre, which will be located in the former Hays Travel unit in Church Square Shopping Centre, will provide a range of employment, education, and training opportunities.

It will be staffed by St Helens Borough Council employees who are part of the Liverpool City Regions flagships Ways to Work programme, collaborating with Career Connect and Jobcentre Plus and offering a one-stop service to support local people.

Mentors and coaches will be available to offer advice and guidance and there will also be an opportunity to search for jobs.

There will be drop-in employment advice including CV writing tips and interview preparation as well as access to paid work experience roles and full or part-time vacancies, with some offering immediate start dates.

The Ways to Work centre is backed by Liverpool City Region Town Centre Funding which helps local businesses and the economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new base will be accessible to everyone in the centre of St Helens with the council planning to provide a similar facility in Earlestown offering additional drop-in and community outreach sessions later in the year.

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Cllr Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, skills and business, said: “We recognise the challenges some residents face when it comes to looking for work or training programmes – that’s why it’s important services are accessible to those in need of our support – and the Ways to Work centre will do just that.

“With an experienced and highly skilled team in place who can cater to the needs of many in such a modern and friendly environment, I would encourage anyone looking for employment or training opportunities to call in and take the first step to an exciting and successful future.”

The Ways to Work centre will officially open on Wednesday, June 30 and will be available Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

More information about the programme is available by visiting www.sthelens.gov.uk/business/ways-to-work/ or emailing waystowork@sthelens.gov.uk or calling 01744 676131.