A Telford teenager has gained innovative skills for a new career – thanks to help from Jobcentre Plus.

Nineteen-year-old year Stacey Asadi-Hamedani, from Woodside in Telford, is now working for website designer Discount Domains, after improving her job search techniques and confidence on a training programme funded by Jobcentre Plus.

Stacey went to Madeley Jobcentre Plus, where she met her New Deal personal adviser Paul Hajdasz. There she took part in the Government’s New Deal for Young people, which is run by Jobcentre Plus.

New Deal for Young People provides a range of opportunities for people who have been unemployed six months or more, including work experience and training.

Thanks to New Deal she learned valuable interview skills and tips on CV writing and her self-confidence grew. Under New Deal Stacey’s employer was eligible for a six month subsidy from Jobcentre Plus, whilst she was receiving the training she needed for the job.

Stacey started work as an admin assistant with Discount Domains in March and she is now learning web design.

She said: “When I left college I had no work experience at all. But meeting Paul, my Jobcentre Plus personal adviser was a turning point. With his support I haven't looked back. Although my role is mainly administration I am also learning many different aspects about the domain registration business, including customer service, web development and Search Engine Optimisation"

Paul Hajdasz said: “New Deal for Young People gives you a chance to re-look at your situation, take the skills and experience you may have already and build on them to create better opportunities for work. Whilst on the programme, participants will receive the continued help and support from a New Deal Personal Adviser like myself, whose main aim is to meet your needs of finding and keeping a job, or becoming self-employed.”

People who would like to know more information about New Deal can call 0845 606 2626, 7.00 am to 11.00 pm, seven days a week, or textphone: 0845 606 0680, 7.00 am to 11.00 pm, seven days a week.