An award-winning organisation in Scarborough is taking part in the Kickstart Scheme in Scarborough.
Futureworks NY is taking part in the Government initiative which funds the creation of new jobs for 16-to-24-year-olds.
As a result of the scheme, Rhyanne Marshall, 18, is now a retail assistant at Furniture Works, the retail outlet and workshop space in St Thomas Street, which is part of the Futureworks NY portfolio of support, training, and learning.
Rhyanne said: “I am really pleased to be part of the team here at Furniture Works.
“Skills I am learning include customer relations, product selling, stock control, taking orders, overseeing deliveries, posting items for sale on Facebook, updating the website, and cash handling.
“Retail is the line of work I am interested in. I applied for the role, and I was successful following an interview with Sarah and Michelle.”
Sarah Thornton, co-founder of Furniture Works said: “Rhyanne joined us in early April 2021 and works in Furniture Works 25 hours a week for the next six months. We became involved in the scheme thanks to Yorkshire in Business here in Scarborough.
“The aim of the scheme is to give mentoring support to a young person while they are being paid during their training. This reduces the risk of long-term unemployment.
“One of the key aspects is to build up confidence for the future as job opportunities return to our local economy.While we don’t have sales targets, we encourage Rhyanne to build upon her skills portfolio to include interactions with customers and liaise with the workshop team, so she knows what is being currently renovated.”
Rhyanne said: “The role is for six months, and I hope to be kept on afterwards. One of the many benefits of the scheme is that I will have the skills I need to continue a career in the retail industry.”
Furniture Works is part of the Futureworks NY, a Community Interest Company founded in 2012.It is a not-for-profit organisation that helps local learners from school age upwards, enabling them to acquire life skills, confidence, practical skills, and some qualifications in an environment that suits their individual requirements.
Futureworks NY has an office and learning space in The Street, Scarborough, and its core values include compassion and integrity.
Their retail outlet, Furniture Works, is based at 39 St Thomas Street and opened in autumn 2020. The premises include a retail unit to the front and a spacious workshop to the rear.
All courses and training are subject to Covid-Secure measures for the health and safety of all those involved.
