Work experience pays off for pair

Sana Mahmood, 23, from Liversedge, and Samantha Beaumont, 23, from Heckmondwike, had both been hunting for work when they signed on to the Job Centre Plus’ work experience programme and were placed with Howarths Employment Law, in Brooke Street, Cleckheaton.

Sana has an accountancy degree but could not get a job through ‘lack of experience’ after she left university, while Samantha had struggled to find work since last July, having completed a six month stint with the Heath Authority.

Howarths’ managing director Andy Howarth said he was delighted to offer the pair permanent roles within the firm, once their work experience ends on May 25.

“The main thing was to ensure that they feel part of the team from their first day,” Andy said.

“We make them feel at home and it’s brought the best out in both of them.

“The quality of their work has been staggering.”

Andy said it was important to make temporary or work experience staff feel at ease – something few companies did successfully – in order to get the best out of them.

Andy added: “On their first day, they went through a full induction like any other new member of staff would do.

“They are both so settled it seems like they have been here forever.”

Employer adviser at Spen Valley Jobcentre Fiona Greenwood said: “We’re really pleased to have worked with Howarth’s Employment Law to support these young people.

“It’s a fantastic and positive outcome.”