Council-led employment service finds locals work

James Jervis, from PDJ, was pictured with cinema employees Deon Marcel Millen, Leah Yates, Maryna Nizhehorodtseva, Ffion Bessey and Jack Guy-Riches and council cabinet member Chris Burden (left to right)

Wolverhampton residents looking for work have been helped by a council-led employment service to get jobs at a new independent cinema.

The four-screen Lockworks Cinema in the historic former lock factory, the Chubb Building, opened last month and replaced the Light House which shut after 35 years.

The new cinema will ultimately employ a local workforce of three permanent and 20 part-time staff, with nine of the vacancies now filled by recruits from the Wolves at Work service.

It offers one-to-one support for people living in the city and access to local jobs through links with employers.

Cinema worker Deon Marcel Millen, from Wolverhampton, said he was enjoying assisting people and Wolves at Work was "very, very helpful".

He added: "I contacted them in April/May because I needed help finding a job and I got signed in which was nice and easy.

"A lady called Michelle helped me with my CV and within three weeks to a month I was able to get this job."

The Lockworks Cinema venture has had a £2m investment from the council

Working with partners, Wolves at Work offers one-to-one support for city residents who are looking for work or to progress in their careers, and is a free service for people of any age.

Residents are offered their own work coach and assistance includes support with CVs, help to complete job applications and advice on training courses.

City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills Chris Burden said supporting people into jobs, skills and training was "one of the key priorities for the city".

He added: "The cinema, alongside other popular venues like the art gallery, Grand Theatre and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, will also drive footfall to support neighbouring local businesses and help them grow – creating further job opportunities."

James Jervis, from independent commercial operator PDJ, said staff taken on had "impressed from day one with an excellent attitude" and "big smiles".

"The connection to the local area from our employees is a key part of what makes us a true independent cinema for the city."