A NETWORKING event to help disadvantaged and unemployed residents back into work was hosted by a charity last week.

Wycombe MP Steve Baker, Mayor of High Wycombe Cllr Khalil Ahmed and Wycombe District Council’s vice chairman Cllr Ian McEnnis attended The Shaw Trust’s back-to-work event on July 1.

The workshop at the Apollo Centre in Desborough Road showcased employment services, apprenticeships and traineeship opportunities on offer from the charity to help people in to work.

Cllr McEnnis said: “The Shaw Trust continues to emphasise its dedication to supporting disadvantaged, disabled and unemployed members of the community to secure lasting employment.

“The charity helps both employers and people searching for work, matching suitable candidates to suitable employers with a cost-free recruitment service.

“Encouraging more partnerships between local organisations and Shaw Trust will only serve to help even more people from High Wycombe find employment and gain independence.”

An array of businesses, employers, training providers and the trust’s own learning and skills team were also at Tuesday’s event.

The trust’s national volunteering programme, which supports the charity’s efforts to successfully guide vulnerable and disadvantage people on their journeys into employment, was also on display.

Gillian Hudson, Shaw Trust team leader, said: “Apprenticeships and traineeships help people to improve and learn new skills, get into work, sharpen their skills and take control of their lives.

“The breakfast networking event provided an excellent stage to display the opportunities available to people from High Wycombe, showing they do have options, will be given all the support they need and can shape their own futures.

“These types of events also help to demonstrate that by working together, businesses and organisations like Shaw Trust can make a big difference to the community, joining forces to help the most vulnerable members of society find work.

“The charity is eager to partner with more local businesses and employers to help more people forge exciting careers.”

To find out how your business can team up with the Shaw Trust, contact the charity on 01494 455670 or call 07974 741837.

Alternatively, email gillian.Hudson@shaw-trust.org.uk or lisa.goncalves@shaw-trust.org.uk.