A scheme which helps people return to work has been hailed a success in Colchester.
Bus operator, First Essex, is offering eight-week work experience placements to people aged between 18 and 24 and who are currently using the Job Centre.
People who are looking for work can join the firm for eight weeks as a vehicle quality operative, which involves cleaning and refuelling the buses.
Jim Whant joined the firm for a work experience placement in autumn 2013 and within weeks he was offered a contract with First.
David Steele, Facilities and Senior Supervisor for First in north Essex, said: “Jim was so good that we didn’t let him go.
“We see a lot of different people and Jim has been very motivated – if he saw something which needed doing, he would get on with it.
“The scheme is good because people learn to work to deadlines and with different people of different ages. They also learn to work in an environment which has a high standard of health and safety.”
Jim joined First and gained his PCV licence.
He said: “The past few months have been really surreal; it all happened in a matter of weeks.
“Now that I have gone through the process, every time we have someone in from the Job Centre I ask if I can work alongside them because I know what they are going through. During the placement, you are treated like an employee from day one.”
The 23-year-old is aims to become a fitter and he has already registered his interest to do an engineering apprenticeship with the company.