Be Caring is thrilled to share the success of our partnership with Barnardo’s JOBS project, aimed at creating job opportunities for young people who have experienced long-term unemployment in Manchester by offering them a stepping stone into meaningful work.  

The Barnardo’s JOBS project, now in its third successful year, aligns with Be Caring’s mission to make a difference to individuals and communities in the North of England. The project matches young adults who have experienced long-term unemployment with suitable employers, ensuring a seamless journey from the interview stage to training and induction, with the goal of boosting their confidence and equipping them with essential skills that would benefit them in the workplace.  

The project, which consists of an 8-week mentorship programme, helps candidates build on their employment skills, knocking down barriers to work for people who may have experienced rejections, or lack confidence in the workplace. 

This partnership offers an opportunity for people to secure a guaranteed job interview, undergo professional training, achieve recognisable qualifications, and benefit from comprehensive mentoring support. The program is fully funded, covering all essentials like transport and lunch, ensuring people receive all rounded support without the worry of financial constraints. Importantly, the project welcomes people without qualifications, emphasising a fully supportive environment which ensures a barrier-free journey to employment.  

Values-Based Recruitment 

Be Caring takes a values-based approach to our recruitment, hiring colleagues based on their values and beliefs rather than qualifications like other, more traditional, companies. This approach to recruitment works seamlessly with the JOBS Project’s objectives of supporting young people into work making this a perfect partnership.  

Be Caring and Barnardo’s are now on their second round of training groups for this project having supported seven fantastic candidates through training to earn their Level 1 Care Certificate, with further opportunities to pursue additional training to advance their careers with Be Caring and beyond available. 

The seven candidates met with members of our team twice before the interview to make sure they were comfortable. One of the first candidates to join the project, Maisie, said,

“We got to meet Joanne and Annette before we interviewed which was brilliant. They came to us at Barnardo’s to introduce themselves and then we went into the Be Caring office to get a feel for the role and see if it was for us. It was so reassuring to go into an interview in a familiar environment. My confidence has grown so much since I joined the project, even after the first three days I could already feel myself becoming more comfortable and confident in my work and personal life”.

Maisie, who has been employed by Be Caring for seven months, is thriving in her role as a Care Assistant, even winning a Carer of the Month award, nominated by her colleagues in recognition for her hard work and positive attitude. Maisie now joins Recruitment Officer and Team Leader Jo and Annette on their visits to Barnardo’s to meet with new candidates to share her story. 

Another success story is Be Caring colleague Sham. Sham, a member of the second Barnardo’s training group, has found the support provided by the Barnardo’s and Be Caring team essential to his success, saying,

“Everyone has been so supportive of me. I can call the team for anything, and they will help me. Since joining the project, I am more confident. I really enjoy the work I am doing and am grateful for the opportunity.”

Angela, the project lead at Barnardo’s shared,

“I am really proud of the groups and the commitment and enthusiasm they have shown. Be Caring have worked really hard to support them, and they love the company and are looking forward to their futures here. We have built a great working relationship with Be Caring, and I am hopeful this is something we can continue to build on.”

This partnership between Be Caring and Barnardo’s reinforces our belief in providing opportunities that can transform lives, and we’re excited to create future partnerships.