Six young people from across Northern Ireland have secured full-time employment after successfully completing a training programme.
Newry-based building and construction company, Murdock Builders’ Merchants, has offered each of the trainees full time employment at its branches across Northern Ireland.
The positions come after the recruits successfully completed the 26-week ‘Steps to Work’ placement scheme. Working with the local Jobs & Benefits offices, Murdocks recruited the six young candidates for the training scheme, which taught them the key skills required to work in a busy, customer-facing environment.
Before this opportunity, the trainees had either never worked, had been long-term unemployed or had struggled to gain work experience.
Fully embracing his new fulltime role at his local Murdock’s branch, Kyle Wells (22) from Lisburn, said: “Before I heard of the Steps to Work programme, I was really struggling to find a job. I simply didn’t have the experience or qualifications required to get an interview, but I’ve learnt so much over the last six months and I now have a great opportunity to prove myself with Murdocks.”
Matthew Johnston was also offered a full-time position at the Lisburn branch. He said: “From day one, Murdocks invested time and energy in my training, so I quickly learnt the core business skills. I’m delighted to be a full-time member of the team in Lisburn and really value this chance to develop and grow with the company.” Thanks to its success, Murdocks has committed to extending the work placement programme and will be selecting new placement candidates throughout 2015.
Ann Morgan, chief executive of Murdock Builders’ Merchants, added: “This has been a valuable process, with each of the new recruits demonstrating willingness to learn, attention to detail and commitment. In joining our team we’re confident they will further enhance Murdock’s reputation for customer service and expertise.”