AN OPTICIANS giant that is investing £12million into a new manufacturing facility in Kidderminster has launched a programme to give opportunities to unemployed people in the area.

Kidderminster Lens Online, which is owned by Specsavers, is working in partnership with Vestia Community Trust and Wyre Forest District Council to develop a Career and Employment Support Programme.

It is designed to support out of work people in the district and give them work experience opportunities with Lens Online as well as attending learning courses to help them get job ready.

The programme was successfully piloted in September and will see work experience placements offered on a bi-monthly basis from this month onwards.

Staff from Lens Online will work with learners to help build their confidence and techniques through conducting mock interviews.

They will also act as ‘work buddies’ to those who progress into work experience placements with Lens Online.

On successful completion of their work experience, learners will be referred to Lens Online recruitment partner Louise Hewett to be considered for a job when an opportunity arises.

In April this year, Specsavers announced it is to invest in a new Kidderminster manufacturing and distribution facility, creating an estimated 230 additional jobs over the next five years.

Doug Lynes, General Manager of Lens Online, said: “The growth of our business means that we are able to invest in the area and we are delighted to create this programme to offer employment opportunities to the local community.”

Marina Banner, Executive Director, Vestia added: “Lens Online and Louise Hewett have shown real innovation in working with Vestia and Wyre Forest District Council to create this programme.

“It demonstrates how successful business growth brings wider investment and benefits to our community.”

The programme is also being supported by Kidderminster Job Centre Plus and funding partners Heart of Worcestershire College (HOW) and Worcestershire County Council Adult Libraries and Learning.