Chamber joins forces with women’s social enterprise for upcoming work placement

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are joining forces with social enterprise Women’s Work Lab to provide a vital rung on the ladder back into work for a local mum.

The Midlands’ premier business organisation is linking up with Women’s Work Lab from February to host a placement helping a female candidate back into the workplace.

Speaking about the programme, Natalie Jones, regional head of Women's Work Lab, said: "We are keen to connect with Birmingham-based organisations across all sectors who are interested in becoming employer partners and hosting short, supported work placements for mums returning to work.

“Our first Birmingham pilot programme is now underway, and we are currently seeking organisations able to host a 4-week placement, starting week commencing 23 February.

“We support motivated mums - many of whom have taken time out of employment to care for their families - to help them rebuild their confidence, develop skills and take practical steps back towards meaningful employment.

“The work placement is a core part of our 12-week programme, giving mums recent experience, references and insight into real working environments.

“It is also hugely rewarding for the employer, as they gain very talented women with fresh perspectives and insight.”

Placements are part-time, up to 15 hours per week, short-term and flexible based around the organisation’s capacity and suitable for a wide range of roles, including resident or customer engagement, administration, community-facing or other supportive roles.

Women’s Work Lab will provide full support to both the participant and the host organisation throughout the placement.

Francesca Thomas, GBCC policy projects coordinator said: “It’s been great to work with Natalie to support the work of Women’s Work Lab with this new cohort of mums as part of the upcoming placement.

“As a Chamber we work to support local business, and this programme widens that support further into the community.

“With our established work experience programme, this opportunity enables us to expand our support to a local mum, giving experience and insight to the work we do across GBCC.”

Women’s Work Lab and GBCC are also calling out businesses in the city to contribute to these vital placements. Organisations open to exploring the opportunity are urged to email Natalie at [email protected]