Workplace is a recruitment centre in Newham that is committed to helping employers find the right local people to work for them and to supporting local people who want those jobs. Our free service is on offer to Newham residents and employers across London.
Newham resident scores at Workplace
September 28, 2007
The hundredth person to secure employment through a Newham Council scheme has been congratulated with a pair of tickets to a West Ham United home game.
Grace Okorie, 59, demonstrated that age is nothing but a number when it comes to employment opportunities in the borough after she found a job with the help of Workplace. After a chance visit to the Stratford office she now works for J Murphy & Sons, a construction company who are currently working on the Olympic Park site.
Grace, who lives in Forest Gate, had been out of work for more than three years when she walked past the Workplace offices and decided to go in. She said: "I like to keep busy and had been looking for work for a while; I registered with a few agencies but couldn't find a job.
"I walked into Workplace and introduced myself to the receptionist who took me to an advisor. He asked me some questions and noted down my details. A few weeks later I was on the bus and got a call asking me if I'd be interested in coming in for an interview with J Murphy. I went for the interview and now have a full time job."
Councillor Alec Kellaway, executive member for business partnership and skills, met Grace and Geoff Willetts, Project Director for J Murphy & Sons, at Workplace to present her with tickets donated by West Ham United Football Club. He said: "It is very encouraging that in just four months Workplace has helped 100 people find work, and I think that is largely down to the hard work and professionalism of the staff, who make people feel at ease from the moment they walk in.
"Murphys are just one of the many employers who place their vacancies with us. As well as construction, there are opportunities in catering, hospitality and retail with new jobs coming in daily."
Geoff Willet said: "We are thrilled with the service we have received from Workplace. We trust Workplace to assist us with finding competent and properly trained personnel; I cannot recommend the scheme, and the team, highly enough."
A second Workplace is scheduled to open in Canning Town next year. The Stratford Workplace is based at Boardman House, in Broadway.
Businesses and individuals who would like more information or to book an appointment can call 020 8430 4331 or visit www.newhamworkplace.co.uk.