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.
Well skilled in success
August 5, 2011
Together with John Burton, the development director of Westfield Stratford City, I toured the new retail centre and met some of the construction workers who are putting the finishing touches to the site.
Alongside council chief executive Kim Bromley-Derry and Mayor of London Boris Johnson I also met some of the very first people who have been offered jobs there after attending Skills Place Newham, our unique retail academy, which is supplying skilled workers to operate the centre and its shops.
Our great partnership with Westfield has enabled us to set up Skills Place to equip local people with the training and expertise they need to get back into work.
We have already been successful in helping more than 7,500 people into work through our Workplace programme, which was developed to make sure local people receive advice about their employment options and have the right skills for their chosen career.
Workplace is now working in close partnership with Skills Place Newham to help us deliver a lasting legacy of sustained employment for residents.
Room at the InnEnsuring residents have the best possible employment opportunities doesn’t happen by chance. While Workplace advisors are busy helping residents into employment at offices in Stratford, East Ham and Canning Town, a team of account managers is making links with employers, new and existing, to ensure that they need look no further if they want keen, job-ready candidates
Greg Matwieiszyn, senior guest service manager at Holiday Inn Express in Canning Town, has been one of Workplace’s happy customers for three years. As well as being full of praise for the service, he has recruited eight residents in customer service roles. He said: “What’s nice about the service is the personal touch. Our account manager, Brian, quickly got to the bottom of what we were after. He went away, did his research and then came back with a list of potential employees. He did all the groundwork for us.”
When it comes to looking for employees, Greg is clear about what he is looking for. He said: “We look for friendly and flexible staff, who are approachable, work well under pressure and understand our visitors.
“Quite often we interview people who haven’t had the opportunity to show what they are made of. We never look for people who have experience in hotels. It’s not important. As long as they are willing, we’re prepared to give them a chance
All Greg’s appointments began as receptionists. He said: “Some had what it takes, proved themselves and have progressed to managers – one candidate went on to become our banqueting and conference manager. They had the skills but were never given the opportunity. If you’ve got what it takes, the world is your oyster.” And as someone who started as a night receptionist he is proof of that.
Hot on hospitality?As well as Holiday Inn Express in Canning Town, Workplace is busy securing roles for Newham residents with a range of hoteliers at Westfield Stratford City. This includes a 267 room Premier Inn, a 188 room Holiday Inn and a 162 key Staybridge Suites. Positions are available in a range of hospitality roles including kitchen, restaurant and reception. To kick-start your career, visit our Contact Us page for your nearest office or call 020 3373 1101 to make an appointment.