Building on the success of the Journey to Work (J2W) employability programme in 2024, Amey is excited to announce that its first 2025 event will take place on Wednesday, 5 February, at Longsight Library, Manchester, from 10am to 1pm.
Timed this year to coincide with Race Equality Week, J2W is a collaborative initiative designed to support those furthest from the labour market, showcasing real vacancies and offering clear paths to employment and career growth. Each event features career experts who provide professional advice and guidance, collaborating with supply chain partners, local charities, and community groups to create job opportunities and develop skills for underrepresented groups, such as the long-term unemployed, care leavers, veterans, and prison leavers.
Since its launch in 2022, Amey has held 30 events, supporting 1,320 individuals, with 174 securing employment, including 15 within Amey. Of these, 60% participated in employment skills workshops, and 14% successfully secured employment.
The upcoming event will include CV writing and interview skills workshops. Wellbeing, financial and resilience support is also provided, including techniques to help relieve the stresses that unemployment and job seeking can cause.
Carol Elderfield, People Director at Amey said: “Our Journey to Work programme has a positive impact on local communities, creating long-term value, tackling workforce inequality, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all.
“Our vibrant teams reflect the diverse skills, perspectives, and cultures of the communities we serve in the UK. From Stafford to Glasgow and Manchester to Bedford, we invite you to join us at one of these events in 2025 and add to our vibrant culture.”
Since attending Amey’s Staffordshire Journey to Work event in 2022, Jess Banbury’s life has transformed, securing a Highways Maintenance role on the Staffordshire County Council contract. Jess said: “As a single mum, I felt my career options were limited and worked three jobs to support my family. Being given the chance to prove myself was incredible, and I’ve loved every minute. I’ve learned so much and was recently promoted to Pre-Site Technician.
“My story shows that women, single mothers, and others who are often marginalised like prison-leavers, carers, and young people can succeed with the right support.”
Councillor Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, spoke about the last Journey to Work event held at the Limelight Hub in Old Trafford, she said: “Journey to Work run by Amey is not just about getting a job, its offering opportunities to develop and empower key life skills in our communities who may face barriers into employment. To ensure a thriving community and economy, it’s vital that we build a skilled workforce, that has access to work opportunities; this is key to creating a resilient local economy, allowing social and economic mobility.”