Rachael blossoms through YES

Youth Employment Scheme participant Rachel Morrow pictured at Broadway Blooms with Joan Connolly, employer contact manager for the Department of Employment and Learning, and Jackie Alexander of Broadway Blooms. INLT 08-675-CON

YES is designed to give young people between the ages of 18 and 24 help and support in looking for permanent work by offering work experience opportunities.

The scheme is entirely voluntary and will help develop the skills you need to get a job.

Rachel Morrow was previously unemployed and her lack of experience meant she was finding it difficult to find her preferred type of work in her local area.

She signed up to YES to gain the experience that employers value so highly.

Rachael then identified a suitable YES vacancy with Broadway Blooms in Larne, on www.jobcentreonline.com, spoke to her personal adviser in Larne Jobs and Benefits Office, applied and is now undertaking a period of work experience as a florist.

Broadway Blooms is a floristry business who provide a wide range of services; from plants, to flowers for special occasions, to gift hampers.

Rachel said: “The work experience has proved invaluable to me – I have gained many new skills and experience.

“I am more confident going forward and I would encourage other young people to get involved in these types of initiatives.

“This has been a very positive experience for me.”

Jackie Alexander from Broadway Blooms said: “Rachel has benefited from a wide range of training on her work placement so far including customer service, cash handling and floristry design.

“She has integrated well into the team here and indeed has excelled in product display.”