Central City News: Project is just the job! EMPLOYMENT: Hope for scheme.

Byline: By Emma Cullwick

COMMUNITY workers are hoping to be given the green light to extend a project which has proved a hit with job seekers in the city centre.

Staff at a project launched just over a year ago hope council chiefs will be so bowled over with the scheme's success that they will approve it to continue for another year.

A report will be delivered to the cabinet at Birmingham City Council on Monday, when a decision is expected to be made on the proposals to extend the Integrated Gateway to Employment project.

The project has seen the council take on scores of "street advisers", who go out and about to spread the word to residents about training available to help people secure jobs.

Leaders of the scheme hope by extending the initiative for a further year it will help them to target some of the hardest to reach jobless residents. Coun Jim Whorwood, cabinet member for local services and community safety, said: "The project is providing real help to local people in some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the city to develop their skills, leading to increased employability.

"The help given ensures that information about opportunities reach those people who are most in need to help them realise their potential to play an active role in their neighbourhood and their city."

Under the project more than 670 residents across south Yardley, Washwood Heath, Nechells, Bordesley Green, Sparkbrook, Springfield, Hodge Hill, Moseley and Kings Heath have received help since it was launched in 2005.

Almost 90 of the residents were referred to employment support programmes and 87 people have started training programmes.

And 184 residents have been helped into full-time employment, while 11 have found part-time work.