DAVID HARBOURNE, chief executive of

North Yorkshire TEC goes back to the shop floor and learns lessons that all employers should heed.

There's a programme on TV called Back To The Floor, which follows the progress of managing directors and chief executives of large organisations as they spend time at the sharp end of their business.

For example, the head of a major catering business served food in a marquee, and the MD of a china manufacturer tried his hand at actually making some of his company's products. It's very entertaining - but also very instructive. Without exception, the MDs gain a new insight into the way their businesses really work and the problems their staff have to cope with.

For my own part, I like to make time to go out with colleagues at the TEC to see at first hand how they go about their work and to get a better feel for the issues they tackle. Like the people in "Back to the Floor", I always learn something new in the process.

Not long ago, I went to Malton Jobcentre to see Janet Lawn. She works for the TEC as a Training Referral Adviser (TRA), which means she talks to unemployed people about training opportunities and, where appropriate, arranges for them to visit a training provider to take things further. We have a team of four TRAs who divide their time amongst several Jobcentres in York and North Yorkshire.

I sat with Janet as she talked to her clients and was struck by their enthusiasm. I had been told what to expect, but it was still a pleasure to meet people who want to get on and develop their talents so that they can get back to work. Whether they had lost their previous jobs through redundancy, had had a run of ill-health or were planning to get back to work following a break to look after children, all of them discussed a range of ideas with Janet and went away knowing what to do next.

What did I learn that surprised me? Chiefly, that employers don't make full use of the services offered by the Employment Service. A great many job vacancies are never notified to Jobcentres - and yet they might know of highly suitable candidates. Likewise, many employers don't realise that the Employment Service can help make it easier to employ people with disabilities. This includes staff who become disabled through illness or injury and would like to carry on working for their current employer.

What did I learn that did not surprise me? That Janet - like all of our TRAs - provides a fantastic service! They all get a real buzz from helping people, and put a great deal of energy and enthusiasm into their work. And although they work for the TEC rather than the Employment Service, they enjoy working alongside the Jobcentre staff and being part of a bigger team.

So if you haven't been near a Jobcentre in years, I can only say: go in and find out for yourself about the excellent services available to local employers, or call the Learning Helpline on 0800 515547 for details of your nearest centre. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!