The Royal Borough of Greenwich announces the successful completion of the Synapse Fair Growth programme in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London. The scheme connected local businesses with up-and-coming talent and helped break down barriers to the creative and digital sectors by giving jobseekers, including care leavers, an opportunity to flourish through paid work placements.
Businesses hosted a combination of either 40-hour or 80-hour placements at the London Living Wage and participants had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience to boost their careers.
The council’s skills and employment service, Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB), brokered eight work placements for residents with local employers: BPTW, The Clockhouse, Coding Black Females, Director’s Cut, Helen Kirkum Studios, Kozy Interior Design, Love Reading and Say NUM. The roles offered included a Digital Intern, Social Media Manager, Theatre Intern, Graphic Designer, Architect/ Urban Design Assistant, Interior Design Assistant and Marketing Assistant.
Three of these placements were given to children in our care, and the other five were offered to people engaged on the Restart scheme, which helps people who are long-term unemployed get back to work.
Read Blessing’s story about her placement with Coding Black Females and Kieran’s story about his placement with The Clockhouse Community Centre: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/synapse-fairgrowth
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports said: “The Synapse Fair Growth scheme has given an incredible opportunity for local people looking to gain work experience and insight into the creative industries.
“Our Greenwich Mission is for everyone to secure a good job – and this shows how we’re working innovatively with the community to provide opportunities for people in our borough. We are very proud of everyone for successfully completing their placements and wish them every success in their future carers.”
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member Children and Young People said: “It was great to see this opportunity taken up by young people in our care. Our Greenwich Mission is for children and young people to reach their full potential. As a council, and with our partners, we are deeply committed to our Corporate Parenting responsibilities, ensuring all young people have the best start in life and those who have been in care feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
“Thank you to Goldsmiths for funding the programme, and to GLLaB for the on-going support they provided to the participants.”
Siân Prime, Academic Lead: Enterprise for Goldsmiths said: “Synapse Fair Growth gave Goldsmiths a chance to share ways for local enterprises to develop sustained growth and provide new employment experiences for people often marginalised from opportunity.
“Working with Royal Borough of Greenwich on this provides a unique experience for all involved in the delivery. We hope to be able to replicate this model of good collaborative practice.”
