A successful recruitment initiative in Gainsborough has resulted in a number of job seekers gaining employment within the town’s newest business. The Caldero Lounge in Marshall's Yard officially opened its doors on 8 December 2021 to over 150 special guests.
With around 25 jobs up for grabs, the employer joined forces with the DWP, the College and the local Council to organise an open recruitment event and attend the town’s jobs fair. These opportunities have provided a welcome boost at a time when the hospitality industry faces significant challenges.
Vice-Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr Tracey Coulson, welcomed the news that local job seekers have been given an opportunity at a difficult time.
She said: “It’s fantastic news that Gainsborough welcomes a brand new business to its community, at a time when we all know the hospitality sector is facing significant challenges. Hearing that a number of job seekers in the area have been given an opportunity there is equally as exciting, as we all know that getting young people into jobs will benefit the local economy massively. I wish Caldero Lounge all the success it needs going forward.”
Sarah McDonald is the Regional Recruitment Manager for the Loungers Group and believes the recruitment campaign has been very successful. She said “Following the initial open day, we selected 12 candidates to participate in a sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) delivered by the College and the DWP. 60% of the candidates that participated in the programme have gone on to secure a job. We’re very pleased with the calibre of people we interviewed.”
Sector Based Work Academy Programmes assist the recruitment process by offering candidates access to sector related training, support with CV’s and interview techniques, work experience and the all important guaranteed job interview with the employer!
Graham Metcalfe is the Partnership Manager for the DWP and is delighted with the outcome from the programme. He said “SWAPs are proven to deliver results for employers and we’re pleased to see so many local people gain employment in this way. We are grateful to the Loungers Group for providing this opportunity.”
Representatives from the Council, DWP and the College were invited to the opening on Wednesday night and were able to see the new recruits in action. Debbie Duffy is the Training & Skills Lead from the Adult Education Team at Lincoln College who helped organise and deliver the recruitment programme. She said “it was fantastic to see the team finally in situ, after working so hard to secure a job with the employer. The College has a great reputation delivering these programmes and it was nice to be there to see the end result.”
Amanda Bouttell leads on Employment and Skills for West Lindsey District Council and is optimistic that the employer will do well in the town. She said “Caldero Lounge offers a relaxed style of dining that will suit a range of people. This further enhances the hospitality offer within Gainsborough and will hopefully drive footfall into the town centre and bolster the evening economy.”