COVENTRY City Council’s Job Shop marked its official opening with a celebratory launch event on Wednesday, July 10.
The Job Shop, which relocated to West Orchards Shopping Centre in March, is part of the City Centre South Development and was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Since it opened, the Job Shop has registered over 60,000 people and supported more than 15,000 residents in finding local employment.
Originally started by Coun George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, the Job Shop was launched in March 2012 as a key component of the Council’s Jobs Strategy to assist local job seekers.
With an average of over 150 customers daily, it is a crucial element of Coventry City Council’s Employment, Skills, and Adult Education offerings, guiding residents through their employment and education journeys.
Coun George Duggins said: “I believe the success of the Job Shop is largely due to its dedicated staff.
“When we set out on the Jobs Strategy, the Job Shop became part of it, and it’s the staff that have made it work.
“They are friendly, they are a team, and they regard themselves as a family which is clear to see.
“They have been amazing.”
The new facility boasts 19 large digital screens and a newly installed multi-language customer sign-in system, enhancing its capacity to serve residents and support over 200 local businesses.
Coun Jim O’Boyle said: “Due to the redevelopment of City Centre South, the Job Shop has relocated once more to a custom-fitted shop, offering a market-leading bespoke employment support service to its customers.
“It is crucial to have a base in the city centre so that residents, no matter where they live in the city, can get there in only a short walk, bus ride, or car journey.
“Since employment significantly improves people’s lives, the services provided by the Job Shop are essential and highly valued, and I have no doubt that it will continue to prosper in its much better location.”
