New cinema puts unemployed locals in the limelight

BOLTON’s newly-opened cinema has recruited the majority of its staff through a pioneering scheme focused on getting locals back into work.

Nineteen of the 30 employees at the Light Cinema have been taken on through the Team Bolton Partnership – the combined effort of the University of Bolton, Bolton Council, Bolton College, Job Centre Plus and many more – which works with over 400 employers to improve locals’ skills and secure them a job.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Ebrahim Adia said: “We are committed to improving the economic prospects for all in the borough. Team Bolton is an example of how partnership working across different organisations can help improve the skills and employment opportunities of our local residents.

“Local people who were out of work are now employed in a new cinema in the heart of the newly redeveloped Market Place and so it is a win-win situation for everyone. We are delighted to work closely with partners to help facilitate such a life-changing outcome for local people.”

Team Bolton and Light Cinema arranged an open day for unemployed residents, which was then followed by a three day pre-employment training course to help the job seekers get the skills they needed to work in the cinema.

One of the young men taken on in the recruitment drive, Ainsley Battel, said: “I’ve been in and out of jobs and never really felt settled anywhere.

“The Open Day and training allowed my confidence to build getting to know what my employer expected from me and them to know what I was like before we started work.

“Although the course wasn’t job specific it offered transferable skills and knowledge that could and would be needed in employment.”

Ainsley, who has now been promoted to supervisor, added: “If it wasn’t for this opportunity I can honestly say I wouldn’t know where my life would be right now. It has been a bit of a blessing.”