DurhamWorks is a free service that helps businesses access the many rewards of employing young people.
Benefits
It doesn’t matter what size your business is or the sector you are in, DurhamWorks is here to help you with your business growth needs. We can support you in fulfilling your current vacancies, apprenticeships, or work experience opportunities.
You will have a single point of contact from our Employer Engagement team. They will discuss your role requirements to make sure they can support you in finding the ideal match for your business.
Our Employer Engagement team will:
- advertise the role on our website and social media pages, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X (previously known as Twitter)
- pre-screen to make sure applicants have the right skills for you
- submit applications to you through the route you have chosen (CVs, application forms, etc)
- support you to arrange interviews with follow-ups
Reasons for choosing a DurhamWorks candidate
Here are just a few reasons why hundreds of County Durham businesses are already taking advantage of the scheme:
- Each young person registered to the programme is assigned a dedicated progression worker who provides them with ongoing expertise and support in information, advice and guidance, preparing them for entering the world of work.
- Each candidate goes through a selection process with a dedicated Employment Engagement Officer to ensure suitability for each job role. Making the right match is the way to unlock growth and success for both parties.
- Young people can provide a fresh perspective and new ideas which could unlock new opportunities or solve age-old problems within your organisation.
- You have a hand in transforming a young person’s life by giving them the opportunity they need to fulfil their potential.
Frequently asked questions by employers
Does it cost to use your service? No, it’s a free service connecting and supporting your business growth. We may even be able to help you access funding.
What services can you provide? We can advertise, sift CVs, pre-screen candidates, support to arrange interviews and follow up as required.
Do you organise CVs and provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates? Yes, we would organise CVs and provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates. We would also pass feedback to the DurhamWorks Progression team, who would support the young person in future applications.
Do you organise apprenticeships? No, but we would signpost you to the relevant information, and we can provide candidates for apprenticeship vacancies.
How many candidates can you provide? We can’t guarantee a figure, but we have several Young People registered with us who are work ready.
How long can work trial/ work experience be? Work trials are typically a couple of days and work experience is usually up to two weeks but can be longer subject to the young person.
Do you check references? No, this would be the responsibility of the employer to check.
Does my business have to be in the County Durham area? No, but the candidates have to live in County Durham.
Sign up
If you are interested, complete the following form or you can contact us by telephone on 03000 262 930 or by email at EmployerEngagmentOfficers@durham.gov.uk:
Contact us
We have three employer Engagement Officers covering County Durham, actively connecting with employers across the North East.
Claire Griss– Claire.Griss@durham.gov.uk
Jo Standen – Joanne.Standen@durham.gov.uk
Michele Atkinson – Michele.Atkinson@durham.gov.uk
The team also collaborates with delivery partners and sub-contractors to support work-ready candidates into opportunities.