An initiative that kits out job applicants with confidence-boosting interview outfits is expanding in Trafford thanks to fresh funding.
Working Wardrobe, run by the charity Groundwork Greater Manchester, has been handed £14,470 from the Workers’ Educational Association via Greater Manchester Combined Authority with Trafford Council handling applications and making allocations.
The money will enable the project to support more job seekers as well as offering interview preparation and a capsule wardrobe for people who are offered employment.
Working Wardrobe was launched in Trafford several years ago, recycling good quality workwear for use by unemployed residents.
It has run a One Stop Shop at Stretford Public Hall on Together Tuesdays since July last year and demand has been rising due to more people being aware of the service – as well as the rising costs of living, making it harder for people to buy clothes.
Now, thanks to the extra funding, Working Wardrobe has launched a second weekly pop-up event at Old Trafford Wellbeing Centre on Fridays as well as establishing a storage facility at Trafford Town Hall.
At the appointments, clients work with a personal stylist to choose clothing, shoes and accessories for their interview at no cost to them, as well as receiving advice from employment specialists who will help with interview preparation, if this is useful.
Those who are successful at their job interview are welcomed back to select a capsule wardrobe of clothing to wear at their new workplace.
Natasha Bernard, Employment Manager at Groundwork, said:
“People need a referral to get an appointment with us. This could be from a job centre, an employment programme, job club or other service. We set aside one or two hours, depending on what the individual person needs.
“Sometimes people think they can’t apply for jobs because they have nothing suitable to wear so it’s great to be able to eliminate that obstacle – and it’s fabulous to see people looking different, standing differently, feeling confident in the outfits we help them to put together.”
Quality-checked, freshly laundered, pre-loved clothes come from staff at local businesses and other donors. Anything unsuitable is passed on to Groundwork’s Rag Revival project or other charities.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said:
“We’re delighted to have worked with our partners to help working wardrobe go from strength to strength. Job interviews are nerve-wracking for most of us and the importance of looking and feeling professional cannot be underestimated. When coupled with some coaching, the service really makes a difference.”