Employment Advice for Marden Jobseekers
Rural jobseekers will be offered help and advice at a special drop-in event in Marden.
The Advice and Employability Shop at Marden Children’s Centre on Tuesday 7 August will offer hands-on support for anyone looking to find work in the rural area.
It has come about thanks to a unique partnership between Golding Homes, Maidstone Jobcentre Plus and the Kent County Council-run Children’s Centre.
Golding Homes’ Employment Advisor Penny Lowe said the event would be flexible and geared up to providing individualised advice.
“We can help improve people’s CVs, support them with online application forms, give them advice about benefits, suggest training courses or just lend them a computer if they don’t have one at home and want to do some online job searching,” she said.
The event, which will run from 10am to 3.30pm, was set up after staff at the children’s centre noticed that many of the issues facing local families were linked to joblessness and debt.
“It can be difficult for people in rural areas, where public transport is often scarce and expensive. We want to make people more aware of what their options are, help them get the skills they need and ensure their applications stand out,” Penny explained.
“There is an employers’ forum in Marden and we know that its members are looking for staff, so that’s another link that will help both local businesses and those who are searching for work.”
Penny said that while this event was a one-off, there was a likelihood it would be repeated. Golding Homes plans to run similar events in other areas.
Marden Children’s Centre is next to the primary school in Goudhurst Road. There will be a limited crèche available for parents who book spaces in advance by telephoning 01622 831503.