A PIONEERING programme aimed at getting people across the district into work has achieved a major milestone.

Get Bradford Working has now helped 3,000 people find employment since its launch five years ago.

The initiative involves several projects and brings together a range of organisations, including JobCentre Plus, Aspire-Igen, Keighley social housing group Incommunities and colleges.

A major part of the venture is now delivered by the SkillsHouse retail academy, launched in 2015.

Initially the academy was geared towards training people for retail and hospitality opportunities at Bradford's Broadway Shopping Centre.

But SkillsHouse has since broadened its base to work with numerous employers and train people for jobs in the care, customer service and warehouse sectors.

To date, it alone has helped more than 900 people into work.

Academy manager, Kerry Robinson, said: "We are proud to be part of the Get Bradford Working scheme.

"There are many opportunities here in our district and it is great that we can help to provide training and support to ensure people who have been unemployed can make the most of them."

Funders of SkillsHouse include Bradford Council, which has invested £800,000.

The Get Bradford Working programme also includes the Skills, Training, Education and Employment Pathways, which supports over-25s into work. It is backed by cash from the European Social Fund.

And Incommunities is providing six-month paid work placements in community-based roles to help boost people's job prospects.

The group has assisted nearly 1,000 people into employment.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council's executive member for education, employment and skills, said the success of Get Bradford Working was "great news" for the district.

"It is very encouraging to see the programme making a real difference to the lives of so many people," he added.

"Helping local people so they can gain the skills they need to get into employment is a key priority for the council, as it supports our residents and provides a wider boost to our economy."

The landmark 3,000th person to be supported is Nabeelah Khalid, who recently joined SkillsHouse.

Previously in a volunteering role, she has gained four qualifications and been offered a role with Marks & Spencer.

She said: "Attending SkillsHouse gave me an insight into what employees are looking for, which in return helped with my employability with Marks & Spencer."