The Minister took a tour of the facilities, spending time with our chair Mark Morris and CEO Debbie Lebrett, as well as our staff team and clients.
During the visit, he praised the way in which Work Avenue supports members of the Jewish community with their careers and businesses.
He showed a particular interest in our focus on helping clients to harness new technology –including the power of AI – through workshops, training, one-to-one advice and our laptop library.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “Work Avenue is a great example of how tailored, one-to-one support is helping jobseekers into rewarding roles so they can reap the benefits of work, while helping our economy grow.
“The Government’s Back to Work Plan will build on the support available to help even more people into work as we drive down inactivity and support businesses to thrive.”
During his visit, the Secretary of State also had a discussion with three of our employment clients: this gave them a chance to outline the difficulties which they have faced whilst looking for work, the support which they have received from the Work Avenue team with the application process and their progress in securing paid employment.
He also met with two WE Hub members who run their businesses from the shared space. Entrepreneur Craig Hartzel, who owns and invests in various tech-based firms from his office in the building, discussed the potential of AI. Financial adviser Marc Burman then told the Minister how much he benefits from being based in WE Hub, including how his business provides paid work experience for those on Work Avenue training courses.
Work Avenue CEO, Debbie Lebrett said: “It was a privilege to welcome Mel Stride MP to WE
Hub and to give him the opportunity to see first-hand the enormous impact Work Avenue has on people’s lives in the community.”