Partners in The Employment Opportunities Fund are celebrating securing over 900 jobs for local people.
The partnership which includes Bradford Council, Incommunities, Jobcentre Plus, Leeds City Region and Aspire-igen are also looking forward to developing and extending the programme over the next two years to help even more people into work.
Partners gathered to mark the success at a special event on Tuesday 24 May at Margaret McMillan Tower in Bradford’s city centre.
The job creation programme acts as a 'bridge' into work for unemployed people so that participants are better equipped to compete in the labour market as they gain additional skills, experience and qualifications during the time they are in the job.
In addition to creating and filling over 900 jobs, the programme has supported individuals to access sustainable employment for people within partner organisation or with external employers not involved with the scheme.
According to figures from Jobcentre Plus 84% of people graduating from the programme do not return to the unemployment register.
As well as targeting the original client groups of 18-24 year-olds, those aged 50 and over, and people with disabilities, new funding has helped the programme work with those aged 25+ who are out of work as well.
Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: "The Employment Opportunities Fund Job Creation programme is part of the Council's Get Bradford Working Scheme to boost employment opportunities for all those living in the District.
"We are absolutely delighted that the Fund has achieved its original target of creating 400 jobs, and because of additional funding has delivered an additional 500 jobs, far exceeding our original expectations. The programme is now receiving national acclaim, and is going from strength to strength by delivering exceptional results.
"This is another example of how the Council is working in partnership to take action to help people into work.
"We have invested £10.5m into Get Bradford Working and are delighted that partners such as Bradford's largest registered social landlord - Incommunities, Jobcentre Plus and Aspire-igen have also invested significantly."
Get Bradford Working programmes also include the Apprenticeship Training Agency, the Routes into Work commissioned fund, and Industrial Centres of Excellence which are delivering an industry-based curriculum for 14-19 year-olds.
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