During late Summer 2010, Medway's Assistant Contract Manager, Damon Lee was approached by a member of Maximus, an agency who assist with finding work placements for those wishing to return to work.
Maximus were seeking feedback on a seasonal member of staff who had been placed with Quadron, but during the meeting it was suggested that Quadron and Maximus could work together to place some men and women seeking work into a four-week work programme.
Maximus sourced a number of applicants and two short work programmes were run between October and January with four candidates attending each session being given the opportunity to try out all aspects of Quadrons work, including grass cutting, shrub bed maintenance and cleansing.
Of the eight participants, three proved themselves to warrant consideration for a seasonal post commencing on 1 March, 2011 and have successfully completed the selection process. Following this success it was decided to expand the programme and in January 22 people began a four-week training programme, with the chance of obtaining a seasonal post for those who showed an aptitude for the work.
Of those who completed the course, six excelled and showed a real interest in our company and work. All six were invited to apply for the available seasonal positions in Medway and all were successfully appointed to a position within the contract a fantastic result!
Bernard Adams returned to work with Quadron
Assistant Contract Manager Damon Lee commented: "This is Medway's first involvement in a return to work programme and it has proved to be extremely rewarding, leading to a 30% trial to contract rate. Also, we have had the opportunity to see how good our new seasonal staff are before we employ them at the start of the season".
Karl Downard also found a job with Quadron
Marco Cotton, Regional Employer Engagement Consultant for Maximus added: "Quadron have provided local people with a chance to gain valuable work experience and, with jobs at the end of it, an opportunity to change their lives. It has been agreed by all parties that this has been a very successful venture and we would now welcome the opportunity to work with other Quadron sites in developing our relationship further".
