The Image Group Work In Tandem, To Offer Work Experience Placement To Promising Young Talent

Manchester, United Kingdom, (January 29, 2010) - The Image Group, one of the UK's leading large format printers and specialists in banners and exhibition stands, report on their recent encounter with Afsheen, a young man from the Refugee Action charity, when they provided him with a six-week work experience placement.

Afsheen, who is also studying at college, has previous experience in cutting and finishing printed products in his home country but needed the experience of working in the United Kingdom to enhance the credentials on his CV. The Image Group is proud of its inclusivity and is keen to try new operating methods in its modern business practices, and so offered him the placement at their plant based in Eccles, Greater Manchester.

Although Afsheen lived a fair distance away from The Image Group's headquarters, they arranged a 'buddy' for Afsheen to live and commute to work with, providing them with a company vehicle to use, job training and flexible support. The experience was eye-opening for both parties, with Afsheen gaining notable large format printing work experience in a British working environment and The Image Group learning some new techniques from Afsheen himself.

The Image Group Operations Director, Dave Brunt, says: "Afsheen had worked in a similar area in his home country, cutting and finishing printed products, but he needed UK work experience and references to help him get work here. He understood that he wouldn't earn a salary, but that he would gain from the experience. If he ever needs a reference now it won't be a problem.

Brunt adds: ""For most of our staff this was the first time that they had met a refugee. Everyone got along very well and we were really impressed with Afsheen's knowledge. We knew he had relevant experience from his home country, but he ended up showing our guys some new techniques. Afsheen's 'buddy' in particular learnt a lot from the experience. Afsheen also learnt about our newer machinery, which was different from what he'd been used to. It was a really helpful experience for both parties."

"We're all about service - that's how we win our orders, and our biggest growing section is recommendations. Having someone with previous experience who could help us do this was a bonus. Obviously the economy at the moment isn't great, and we're glad to help anyone if we can, but as a small business, if there are financial implications for us it's more difficult. But all we had to do with the placement was get Afsheen to and from work. It was a win-win situation all round. It's certainly something we'd do again in the future."

Based in Manchester, The Image Group have over 12 years of experience in the large format printing industry, and are a leading force in the field, supplying PVC banners, exhibition stands, window graphics, building advertising and much more to customers all over the UK. They aim to provide their individually tailored top quality display and retail solutions quickly and pride themselves on their experience, creative thinking and flexible approach to every project.