People looking for work in the Black Country are set to benefit from a new agreement between Jobcentre Plus and the AA. The AA call centre in Oldbury has signed up to a Local Employment Partnership (LEP), a commitment to employing local people who may have been at a disadvantage in getting back to work.

Through the LEP with Jobcentre Plus, the AA will make vacancies available to jobseekers from the local community. Sandwell Borough Council is supporting the scheme by providing skills training through Zenipher Training.

Sharon Lee, HR manager at the AA, said:
"We are working very closely with Jobcentre Plus on our recruitment and have been able to take on candidates through this process. We operate a 24 hour business with a variety of shift patterns for people from all ages and backgrounds, and staff benefit from a full training and development programme."

Dave Feakes from Jobcentre Plus said:
"LEPs show business and government working together to get people off benefits and give them the skills they need to make the most of their potential. Signing up to a LEP provides an effective recruitment service for employers. In return we ask them to make a commitment to invest in the skills of their workforce and open up job opportunities to a wider pool of talent."

Michelle Walround and Daniel Bell are among the first people to benefit. Both had found it difficult to get work, until they were given the opportunity to apply for vacancies with the AA.

Michelle, who is a single mum of one from Smethwick, and had been out of work for five years, said:
"This gave me a chance to develop myself and apply for a good job with a national company. I always wanted to have a career with a future. I am really enjoying the training and I am looking forward to going onto the main floor to take live calls and help AA members.'

Daniel (20) who lives in Oldbury said:
"From my first day on the training I wanted to make the most of it! I made new friends quickly and enjoyed the group activities. My confidence grew and I could see myself getting closer to my goals. I love my new job and would not have gone for it without the support from the team at Zenipher Training and the AA."

Councillor Ann Shackleton said:
"This demonstrates a true partnership between key organisations with a genuine desire to make a difference to local people. I would like to congratulate the successful candidates and wish them all of the best for their future careers."

By the end of October, 58,000 people had found work and more than 10,000 businesses had recruited through LEPs.