In September 1981, a new scheme sponsored by Newark District Council and funded by the Manpower Services Commission commenced to help alleviate the problem of youth unemployment.
In those brief months the scheme has blossomed and the quota of 50 trainees has almost been reached.
The scheme known as Project Based Work Experience has already completed such projects as; refurbishing British Railway Stations at Lowdham, Thurgaton, Bleasby and Fiskerton, painting and decorating pensioners homes, forestry work, building construction projects and many other similar projects.
The scheme is managed by by Mr John Wood from his office at Kelham Hall. His staff now include 9 project supervisors and an office clerk. The trainees participating on the scheme are recruited from the Careers Offices at Newark and Mansfield; the majority live in the Newark area but others come from Ollerton, Southwell, Rainworth and Blidworth.
The trainees are at present working on a variety of projects, two in particular warrant a mention they are the Church Farm development at Edwinstowe and the setting up of the new Tourist Information Office at Newark. However, with some eight project teams now in full swing future projects are always welcome. Anyone with a request for assistance for a project that will benefit the community should contact Mr Wood at Kelham Hall.