A new work-skills training initiative, designed to help adults affected by homelessness, between the ages of 18 and 35, has launched and will run for a period of 8-weeks based at Oakland International’s Redditch HQ.

The ‘Work It Out’ project, a referral partnership between Redditch Nightstop, The Basement Project, InUnity and Oakland International, is designed to help those looking for a way into the workplace and will be delivered by experienced trainers from Centrepoint UK with the object of helping participants improve their chances of securing employment.

Oakland International will provide the training facilities needed, attendee lunches and additional work-skills involvement and training, such as work shadowing or work experience opportunities, to supplement participants in-class learning, adding the additional benefits of perspective, environment and a ‘real world’ employee experience.

Oakland International Strategic Development Manager Pete Vaughan commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting this project, which has been many months in planning, with all stakeholders dedicated to ensuring attendees gain as much as possible from this initiative.”

A total supply chain solutions specialist, Oakland International is a specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution, and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain.

InUnity CEO, Hannah Brooman, commented: “All of the partners involved are incredibly excited about this pilot initiative of Work It Out; supporting young adults who are affected by homelessness is a shared ethos across the organisations involved, and with Oakland’s involvement as a local employer that really understands what we need to do to support people into employment is refreshing and in demand.

“As a collective we are going to make a real difference and hope that over time the project will evolve, adapt and grow to support many more young adults.”

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact InUnity for more information, and for those already registered at Redditch Nightstop or The Basement project, via the organisations’ support workers.