Eleven organisations will be providing vacancies for residents who want to learn new skills and get further experience in the work place making them more employable. They could also work towards a recognised qualification and receive support during the placement in their search for permanent employment.

The programme is suitable for people who:

• have recently been made redundant and are keen to maintain their skills and engage in the workplace
• are not ready for employment but who want to develop their skills and re-enter the workplace through supported placements
• are in low paid, low skilled, part time employment and who would benefit from the opportunity to get practical experience so they feel more confident in applying for higher skilled and better paid jobs.

Places are available in variety of fields including:

• Community sports
• Gardening
• Media
• Social Care
• Finance

The placements are provided by organisations throughout Nottingham that have a voluntary and community focus. They are:

· Framework Housing Association – a homeless charity

· The Partnership Council

· PATRA - Positive Action Training & Recruitment Agency and ACDA (Africa Caribbean Development Agency)

· Nottingham Credit Union

· Playmakers Project

· Nottingham Equal

· Nottingham Community Voluntary Sector (CVS)

· 97.5 Kemet FM Radio

· African Caribbeam Asian Forum (ACAF) and Bright Idea Nottingham Energy Efficiency Champions

· Community Sports Volunteers Programme

Councillor Hassan Ahmed, Portfolio Holder for Employment and Skills at Nottingham City Council, said: "The Community Programme is an ideal way to for people to develop skills or keep in touch with a work environment if they're struggling to get on the jobs ladder, or have been made redundant. The experience they will have working on one of the varied projects will add invaluable experience to CVs."

The Community Programme is part of Nottingham City Council's Jobs Plan which also includes the Future Jobs Fund, the Enterprise Scheme and the City Council Apprenticeships. The Jobs Plan has been developed to help get Nottingham City residents into work and onto training courses during the current economic downturn. In total, the Jobs Plan will create over 2000 job and training opportunities.

Cllr Ahmed concludes: "The Jobs Plan is part of the Council's wider "We're On Your Side" campaign to support residents and businesses during periods of economic uncertainty. If you have been unemployed for some time, or are a young person currently looking for work, Nottingham City Council is here to help you find new opportunities."