John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance offers extended Work Experience for young people

John O'Conner Grounds Maintenance is the first company in Herts and Beds to sign up to the government's new extended work experience scheme working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus.

The first five work experience placements started this month on John O'Conner's St Albans City and District Council's Grounds Maintenance contract and the company hopes the placements will lead to long-term jobs.

Paul Brady, Senior Contract Manager for John O'Conner, said: "I was only too happy to get involved, the first placements will start in March and will be supported by existing teams of permanent employees.

"To help them adjust to the workplace we will ensure that they all have a mentor or buddy from day one.

"We hope these work experience placements could be a way of unlocking a pool of hidden talent that might otherwise go unnoticed."

Richard Shwe, Head of Community Services for St Albans City and District Council, added: "We are happy to be involved with this work experience programme. It provides a great opportunity for young people to gain knowledge and practical experience helping to maintain our parks and open spaces in St Albans City and District."

The Work Experience programme gives young people an introduction to the modern world of work, helps them get a decent entry on their CV and provides real value to the employer.

Under the new scheme, specialist Jobcentre Plus teams match young people between 18 and 21 with companies across the country.

Young people are now allowed to do work experience for up to eight weeks without facing a loss of benefits.

Companies interested in taking part in the new Work Experience scheme in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire can contact Jobcentre Plus on 01727 773316.