THIS keen jobseeker wants the chance to help people – and any employer willing to give her a chance could get a little help, too.
A business could get up to £2,275 a year for taking on 19-year-old Lucy Chilton, as part of the Government's Wage Incentive scheme – aimed at helping 18 to 24-year-olds get work.
Lucy, of Bargate, studied photography at Grimsby Institute for two years, but changed her plans for the future after a friend told her how rewarding working in care can be.
She has been looking for work since September and despite taking an introduction to care course and training in mental health awareness, she is finding it difficult.
She said: "It's a catch 22 – everyone wants people with experience which means I can't get any."
However, through the Jobcentre, she has managed to complete two unpaid work placements, one with the elderly and another with people suffering from learning disabilities.
And helping the people she met at the Rock Foundation and Yarborough House, she is all the more determined to get her dream job.
She said: "At first it was daunting because I had no experience, but you build bonds and the job gets much easier when you get to know people.
"Those placements made me realise this is the job I want – it is so rewarding to make a real difference to people's lives.
"Just sitting down and taking some time to talk to people means so much to them – and they are so grateful."
And being unemployed is not as fun as some people may believe.
She added: "Not having a job is demeaning – you feel worthless.
"I need a job so I feel independent and a regular wage would mean I could buy a car and get into home care – another opportunity."
Call the Jobcentre Plus on 01472 622357 if you are interested in employing Lucy – and getting a subsidy to do so.
ON THE WEB: Find out more about the Wage Incentive by visiting this article online at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk The Grimsby Telegraph features hundreds of vacancies every week and there are many opportunities available online at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/jobs
