Walsall joins national early years recruitment campaign offering £1k incentive

As part of a new government initiative to encourage recruitment in the early years section, Walsall Council is offering new recruits a £1,000 cash payment.

The incentive aims to boost capacity, address unemployment concerns, and increase the availability of childcare services. The trial will ensure that new recruits and returnees receive a tax-free cash reward shortly after commencing their positions.

This initiative aspires to bolster recruitment across the sector by shedding light on the diverse array of career paths and progression opportunities within childcare. It aims to emphasise the availability of on-the-job training, flexible work hours, and, most notably, the chance to have a meaningful impact on the lives of young children.

Recent statistics from the Department for Education reveal that 102,480 two-year-old children are currently registered within the system, laying the foundation for the largest-ever expansion in childcare services scheduled to commence in April 2024.

This includes the ability for parents to save £6,500 annually through full utilisation of  30-hour entitlements. Furthermore, by September 2025, the initiative aims to extend this offering to all pre-school children of working parents, starting from the age of just nine months, providing them access to 30 hours of childcare during term time.

For more information on the childcare support expansion roll out from April 2024, please visit the Childcare choices website: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ 

 

Lidl Warehouse in Walsall Closing With 100 Jobs At Risk

100 workers at Walsall’s Lidl Warehouse in Talbot Close, Bloxwich are at risk of losing their jobs following an announcement from the supermarket giant that it will be closing down.

Due to no longer meeting “operation requirements” the Lidl warehouse will close in 12 months’ time with the company attempting to arrange alternative employment at other sites for its staff.

Speaking to The Grocer, a spokesperson for Lidle said: “Since 2008, our Walsall facility has been a key support function for our stores and distribution centres.

“However, the site itself is not purpose-built having been constructed around 50 years ago and, with multiple buildings of varying ages, it is no longer able to meet our operational requirements.

“With regret, we are proposing the closure of this location with a view to consolidating operations within our newer warehouse facilities nearby.

The news follows confirmation that a new Lidl supermarket is due to be built in Walsall Wood on the grounds of the Horse & Jockey pub.     

 

 

Walsall Job Fair Takes Place In Willenhall This Month

A new job fair will be hosted at Willenhall Chart Community Hub on January 24, 2024.

Featuring employers and training providers from a wide range of industries, the job fair is open to all and takes place between 9am and 1pm.

Opportunities will be available in health and social care, hospitality and construction sectors, alongside warehousing, business administration, rtail and manufacturing.

“The New Year New Career event is a great way to find out information about local opportunities and make connections. There will be a wide range of employers and training providers in attendance and I’d urge anyone that’s considering a career change, looking for training opportunities or searching for a job to come along”.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration
Walsall Council

“Our Walsall Works job fairs are a great opportunity to speak to employers and find out information about available opportunities. I am looking forward to seeing many local employers and training providers at the event, and hope to welcome lots of people looking for their next opportunity.”

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills
Walsall Council

The full address is Willenhall Chart Community Hub, 19 Gomer St, WV13 3NS.

Join Walsall Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel

Walsall Council invites members of the public to join the Independent Remuneration Panel, which plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and equitable allowances for Councillors.

As a panel member alongside two others, you’ll evaluate the responsibilities and time commitments of Councillors. Your recommendations will help shape a just allowance scheme for them. This short-term commitment requires only a few days of your time and is a voluntary position.

Throughout the review process, you’ll receive support from the Director of Governance, access evidence, and assess information to inform your recommendations on Councillors’ allowances and expenses. Your work will conclude with a public report presented to the Full Council.

For further details and to submit your application, visit WM Jobs. The closing date for applications is 24 September, 2023.

10 Young Apprenticeship Positions Available At Market-Leading Birmingham Company

10 apprenticeships for Birmingham-based students are being offered by photochemical etching business, Precision Micro.

The positions are open for school leavers aged 16-21 to join the company at their Erdington-based branch at Fort Dunlop for a four-year apprentice where they’ll learn a host of new skillts, including marketing, technical and business skills, as well as getting hands-on by learning how to etch precision parts.

Precision Micro have been one of the leading photochemical etching companies since it opened its doors in 1962. Supplying a wide range of industries, the company provides products such as life-saving medical implants and aerospace parts to over 30 countries.

Find out more about chemical etching.

A recent investment of £5m in the production plant has seen Precision Micro expand manufacturing by 10% allowing them to create more opportunities for local residents and apprentices.

Nikki Squire, HR Manager at Precision Micro, said: “As a specialist manufacturer, the contribution apprentices make to our business is invaluable. We’re delighted to be able to offer so many local young people the chance to kickstart a rewarding career at the cutting-edge of precision manufacturing, in what is an incredibly exciting time for the company.”

To apply to the apprenticeship and to find out more information, visit: http://resources.precisionmicro.com/apprenticeships

HomeServe Launches Major Recruitment Drive in Walsall

Emergency repairs and improvements business HomeServe has launched a major recruitment drive at its Walsall branch.

homeserve hq

Following customer demand, the company, which is based on Cable Drive, has positions open for 34 customer service representatives.

Kasia Klunduk, head of recruitment at HomeServe, said: “The customer representative roles at our Walsall head office offer the chance to be part of a highly rated team, focusing on customers’ needs to keep their lives moving.”

Almost 70 new engineer roles are also being created, with qualified gas engineers, plumbers and electricians invited to apply for positions covering areas including the West Midlands, East Midlands, North West, South East and Greater London.

Kasia added: “We’re committed to making HomeServe a diverse and inclusive workplace, with a strong culture of mutual support and empowerment to encourage our peoples’ career development.

This follows the recruitment of 85 customer service representatives in April.

For more information, please visit HomeServe jobs. Note: At the time of writing, the new positions were not listed on the website. They should appear shortly.

Related News

Social Care Jobs – Black Country Recruitment

An online recruitment event for people interested in forging a career in social care is taking place on 28 April, 2021. This includes jobs working in care homes, personal support in someone’s home, or within the local community.

social care jobs

The event will take place between 1-2.30pm via Microsoft teams with a presentation about the range of career opportunities available.

As well as a Q&A session, a number of social care jobs in the Black Country and Birmingham will be presented.

Jonathan Fellows, Independent Chair of the BCWB Integrated Care System, Healthier Futures, said:

“Social care is an industry that is experiencing significant growth. People nowadays are living longer, and that inevitably means more people needing a bit of extra support either in their home or out in the community. “At any time there can be up to 2,000 social care vacancies across BCWB, so it’s great that our local authorities are working together on this unique event, which will make it much easier for people to see all the opportunities that are available in our area. “The role social care workers play is crucial. Helping people maintain their independence and have the best possible quality of life has a big impact on their health, and better health for local people is the goal that our whole health and care system in BCWB is striving towards.”

To join the recruitment event, you will need to register online.