Jobs scheme creating hope for vulnerable

But the latest graduates from the Create Potential Academy are determined to make their mark with one of Britain's best-known retailers.

The academy is an employment support scheme that is helping homeless people and "rough sleepers" to get a foothold in the world of work.

This transformation has been achieved with help from social enterprise Create, which was founded in 2007 at St George's Crypt, in Leeds, by Sarah Dunwell, who ran her own outside catering firm.

At first, it provided outside catering services to local companies, using the skills of former rough sleepers who had undergone intensive training.

Today, the business employs 29 people and turnover to the end of September 2010 was around 650,000. Create aims to break through the 1m barrier in the next financial year.

Create, which is based in Holbeck, Leeds, runs an outside catering company, two cafes in Leeds and a fashion boutique in the St John's Centre, Leeds.

In recent months, Create has forged ties with Bradford-based supermarket chain Morrisons.

The partnership has helped a number of former homeless people to gain work at Morrisons' store in Harehills, Leeds.

Funding for the first year's pilot programme of Create Potential came from the Homes and Communities Agency and Leeds City Council. So far, two 'cohorts' of 34 students have gone through the academy, and virtually all of them have emerged with a QCF Qualification in Retail Skills and Level One in Food hygiene.

Julie Harrington, a Create spokesman, said: "Our academy targets those who have come from vulnerable backgrounds which includes either having formerly been homeless or a rough sleeper or socially excluded.

"Some have had steady jobs and stable lives and then bereavement or the break-up of a relationship has caused their worlds to fall apart.

"Some others have never held down a job. All students who come on the academy are interviewed so we get a true flavour of who they are, and their mindset as they begin the programme."

The partnership with Morrisons ensured that all the academy members had the chance of applying for a job.

Ms Harrington said: "This partnership between corporate and social enterprises is a crucial factor for future success and growth.

"Graduating students from Create Potential Academy had interviews for Morrisons' new store in Harehills, Leeds.

"Create candidates had to be interviewed alongside the 800 other candidates fighting for just under 200 jobs, they passed and were chosen on their own merits."

Five of the first 'cohort' of academy graduates are now employed by Morrisons.

Norman Pickavance, the head of human resources at Morrisons, said: "It's based on the belief that we can bring the best out of anybody. We are great believers in apprenticeships.

"Create get people to a level where they are ready for work. That's where we pick up.

"They provide a stepping stone, getting people into a place where they are ready to go."

Ms Harrington added: "Not all the students can read and write and so pursuing the accredited training route may not suit them. Others have been reluctant to do literacy and numeracy again and then been delighted with their achievements when they have sat down to tackle tests.

"All students do two lots of full-time work experience within the four businesses Create runs. Some students have been very clear about what they didn't want to do – but by having a go they have surprised themselves with their own abilities and how such a fresh, new experience has totally changed their viewpoint.

"We can't pretend every day is plain sailing – it's not, we are fully appreciative that people emerging from chaotic lives need a supportive environment."

Ms Dunwell wants to turn Create into one of the UK's leading social enterprises.

The aim is to find managers around Britain who can apply Create's business model in their home town or city.

Create plans to open bases in Birmingham, Liverpool and Sunderland by April this year and London by the end of 2011.

Ms Harrington added: "Morrisons is just one of the employers we are working with to develop pathways to employment."

Helping to get lives back on track

Graduates from the Create Academy have included Mark Jury, 21, who was born in Leeds.

After suffering a series of bereavements, Mr Jury had spent part of his teenage years "sofa-surfing".

However, he was determined to turn his life around.

Mr Jury said the work experience side of the academy programme had been an eye opener, because he had a natural leaning towards the catering side of the business.

"By the time I am 30, I want to be well on the way to a management position,'' he said. "The next job is the kick-start to all the other plans.

"Create Academy is an excellent opportunity. If you want to get your life back on track, it's the place to be.

"You get help and support, you have things in common with the other learners and build relationships."