Happy new year to everyone and what an exciting year we have ahead of us for 2023. In the last couple of months, we have received a number of applications with more news to follow shortly on offers. So, watch this space in coming weeks and months. 

Firstly, an update on how Phillip, our very first candidate is getting on. As a reminder we agreed to support Phillip through our partnership with Hastings Advice & Representation Centre. We offered a grant to cover his salary costs, so he could work in their charity shop, while he also studies towards his Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship, alongside his Maths and English functional skills – level 2. Meaning that he is getting direct work experience alongside his qualifications. 

It gives us great pride to receive his first progress report which reads glowingly. All of Phillips work has been submitted on time or ahead of schedule and he is on target to complete the programme by the planned end date of October 2023.

Philip is making good progress with his on-the-job training and is getting to grips very well with stock management, rotation and displays. He is punctual and dependable and has become a big part of the team working within the shop. The team at HARC are working first-hand with Philip on a daily basis and have identified key areas to enhance his customer service levels. Which will see him improve his skills in serving, till operation and dealing with customer enquiries in this upcoming quarter. 

It fills everyone at the Jim Jackson Foundation with immense joy to be making a difference and giving a toe up, to enable Philip to start his career in commerce. 

With the success of this partnership, the Foundation has asked HARC to put forward another candidate for review. 

For more information on HARC please feel free to visit their website by clicking here.