Taking big steps into work with Seren

‘Steps to Work’ is an initiative set up to help get people back into employment by offering education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities. The programme was launched by the Seren Group in 2009, bringing together the group’s knowledge and experience to promote its commitment and investment in people. Steps to Work provides people with opportunities to realise their full potential and has helped kick start the career of over 150 apprentices, internships, trainees and volunteers. Erol is just one success story. Erol has spent six months volunteering with the Steps to Work project, creating an Access database. He will now be progressing into work with support from Remploy. He was also nominated for the WCVA volunteer of the year award 2012. Erol said, ‘I needed more discipline and routine in my life and wanted a chance to use my A level in IT, which is my passion. I now have a reason to get out of bed in the morning.’ During 2012 the Seren Group continues to build on its Steps to Work success and looks forward to helping a whole lot more people like Erol.

Around the Houses

May 2012

‘Around the Houses’ is published monthly to showcase the excellent work members are doing in a wide

variety of different areas. If you have any stories you’d like to include in the next edition, please send them

to bethan-samuel@chcymru.org.uk. All stories received will also be put up on CHC’s website.

Intermediate Labour Market Scheme

Melin Homes’ ILM (Intermediate Labour Market) scheme was recommended to David Lewis, 24, from Monmouth, by the Job Centre Plus. After being unemployed, David joined Melin on a 12 week ILM placement. He joined Melin’s People and Learning team as an assistant. He was responsible for administering the ILM project, which Melin manage in Monmouthshire on behalf of WCVA. David said, ‘Everyone here has been really friendly, and working in the People and Learning team has helped me get to know the staff really quickly. Working in HR is something I had never really considered but I have really enjoyed my placement and the chance to get some great work experience.’ Thanks to his IT knowledge, David was instrumental in helping to develop an improved HR reporting system. Kate Buckley, People and Learning Manager, said: ‘David has been a big help during his time at Melin, and it’s been a pleasure to watch him grow in confidence and develop his skills through taking part in the scheme.’ David made such a good impression that he has been offered a permanent job with the People and Learning team. He will continue to provide help and support with the administration of ILM placements.

Jobs and training special!

Tai Calon provide training opportunities

Four men on work placements and a fifth, just appointed to a full-time permanent job, have passed nationally recognised exams during the short time they’ve been with Tai Calon. Four of the five studied for their Lantra certificate in brushcutting. Ian and Dan had been on an 8 week placement through A4e (Action for Employment) and Shaun joined for two weeks through Business in the Community. Haydn was on a voluntary scheme through JobCentre Plus. His temporary contract with Green Earth @ Tai Calon has now been made permanent. Ian and Michael, also from A4e, have completed a Lantra course on wood chipping. Both have been given a six month contract. Gwynfor Evans of Green Earth said, ‘Some of our young people are only with us for short placements. However, we are determined to give them as many training opportunities as possible. We also encourage them to obtain qualifications in their new skills.’ Chief Executive, Jen Barfoot, said: ‘I am so proud of all their achievements. We are determined to create as many training opportunities and jobs for local people as possible.’

Around the HousesMay 2012

Jobs and Training Special

Targeted Training and Recruitment Project

Integrate is a collaborative network of housing associations promoting local delivery and regional economy aiding trageted recruitment and training. Clare Parry explains… ‘Each HA serves its own customers but with the benefit of a greater pool of resources, skills, processes and experiences. Adopting the i2i ‘Can Do’ Toolkit as the basis of developing standardised requirements and clauses, a focus is given to community wellbeing on an environmental, social and economic level. Examples include apprenticeships for unemployed young people, school projects and materials to aid regeneration projects, demonstrating Integrate’s interest in not just meeting targets but in creating sustainable communities. Since the project began in 2009, over 300 participants have been engaged through work experience, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, resulting in the creation of over 12,850 targeted recruitment and training weeks. With a focus on offering long term and sustainable opportunities, Integrate actively encourages diversity and staff development. Creating and maintaining relationships with partners has been essential. Jared Williams from Ebbw Vale was referred to the project through Working Links. Jared aspired from an early age to enter into the construction industry knowing he didn’t want to follow his friends along an academic route. Struggling to find employment, Jared jumped at the opportunity when Willis Construction offered him a position as a painting and decorating apprentice as a result of securing a works contract with United Welsh. Senior Manger at Willis Construction, Bob Humphries, commented, ‘We knew very early into the recruitment process that Jared had the ambition and dedication needed to succeed within the dynamic construction industry. During the work trial, Jared outshone other candidates with his positive attitude and focus on a delivering a professional high quality finish.’ Jared referred to his experience during CHC’s recent manifesto launch as ‘life changing’ and ‘an amazing way to earn while you learn.’

NPT Homes creates new groups to encourage young people

NPT Homes’ Tenant Empowerment Team is urging young members of the community to learn skills and help shape the future of NPT Homes. Tenant Empowerment Officer Kathryn Cook has set up three groups to encourage people to get involved. The Youth Communication Team is for young people with an interest in digital media to produce digital stories, films and photographs for the newsletter. The Youth Forum is for youngsters who want a say in NPT Homes’ youth provision, planning activities and days out. The third group is the Intergenerational Art Project which will create community based artistic pieces for the new premises. Kathryn said: ‘I know there are a lot of intelligent, creative and inspiring youngsters out there and I would urge them to get involved... Training will be provided for all the groups and regular catch ups will be held so everyone can meet, share ideas and develop skills. Getting involved in groups like these not only give younger people a place to be and an opportunity to express themselves, but also provide transferable skills that can be used when they apply for work later on in life.’

Former homeless sign up with football ambassadors

While Chelsea flew the flag for the UK in the Champions League final, two former homeless people from Rhyl will be among a team of football ambassadors travelling to Scandinavia thanks to work placements arranged by Rhyl FC’s Football in the Community Programme. Dane and Steve live in independent outreach properties in Rhyl as part of the Y Dyfodol Supported Living Scheme managed by Clwyd Alyn HA. Following their achievements on Rhyl Football in the Community’s ‘Strikers’ training scheme, they have been selected for separate work placements visiting Norway and Sweden. ‘It’s a fantastic opportunity, we’ll be based at a football club and working with them in their community,’ said Dane, who joined five other Strikers trainees from across Denbighshire. Steve joined Strikers over 12 months ago and has completed their ‘Employability Certificate’ as well as their ‘Level One Progression’ Course which included gaining certificates in First Aid, Food Safety and Health and Hygiene. During his work placement he was able to gain his UEFA Level One coaching certificate and also organised a charity football match. ‘We’re extremely proud of both Dane and Steve, they have really worked hard on their Strikers placement and it’s brilliant that they’ve been offered such an amazing opportunity,’ said Viv Edwards, Life Skills Coordinator at Clwyd Alyn Housing Association. ‘We’d like to say a massive thank you both to Rhyl Football In the Community and to Ecorys who fund the Leonardo placement programme for making this possible. The Strikers skills programme has really helped both Dane and Steve gain self-confidence as well as practical skills.’ Tracey Jones, Manager of Rhyl Football in the Community said that funding for the Leonardo work placement opportunities abroad meant that they could offer teams of young people a real life-changing experience. ‘Completing the Strikers courses takes commitment and hard work and the partnership funding of Ecorys makes a real difference to the life-chances that our trainees have in the future.’

Meet the Pathways to Apprenticeship participants

You may remember reading a recent blog about Newydd’s new eco-development in Penarth: http://bit.ly/KvtiAA. We have visited the site to meet the new Pathways to Apprenticeship participants. Currently studying NVQ2 Bricklaying at Cardiff and Vale College, James and Liam have been given the opportunity to develop their eco construction skill set, laying the bricks of the homes that are being built to Code 5 during a five week placement. James, 22, has a range of experience on his CV including property maintenance and kitchen fitting; however, he has always been keen on developing a career in bricklaying. ‘I’ve wanted to do bricklaying for the last two years, but was worried it would be difficult to get the experience I would need for a job. I have received lots of support from Leadbitter’s Community Engagement Coordinator Nicole, Site Manager Vernon, SJB Bricklaying and the Integrate project. I am now hoping to secure an apprenticeship following this placement.’ Lewis, 19, has also enjoyed the opportunity. Lewis commented, ‘I wanted to understand more about green technologies, so I jumped at the chance to be involved in the placement organised through the Integrate project. I am particularly interested with the joint system of a Code 5 home and working with a different brick. I have heard that there is a shortage of tradesmen with green technology experience, so I am glad I can add this to my CV.’ The Welsh Government are supporting young learners aged between 16 – 24 years of age through intensive training to put them on the pathway to becoming an apprentice. This means that a group of pre-trained young people are now ready to become productive Apprentices.

Around the HousesMay 2012

Jobs and Training Special

New brand reflects success for Wales & West Housing

Wales & West Housing has rebranded with a vibrant logo of a proud blue dragon at the heart of a house replacing the previous logo which it had used for more than 40 years. ‘Times change and Wales & West Housing is a very different organisation to what it was 40 years ago when our old logo was first created. We wanted a fresh image that better reflected our business and ambition for the future,’ said Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive. ‘As a long established company it was very important for us to keep the positive aspects of our identity and blend these with the new direction and culture that exists,’ said Anne. WWH’s new brand – including website www.wwha.co.uk - went live on 26 April following the association’s AGM. ‘It’s early days yet,’ said Anne, ‘but I’m delighted to say that so far the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive across the board...Cambria is already a success story in its own right, securing employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities for 45 people with turnover close to £3m. We’re now in talks to expand the business further to cover the whole of Wales.’

Going the extra mile for Velindre

First Choice Housing Association staff are pedalling furiously to raise funds for their charity of the year, Velindre. Penarth-based First Choice were joined by Cardiff Blues player and Wales captain Sam Warburton to help them start the challenge. The team will cycle a ‘virtual’ bike ride on static exercise bikes covering the distance around their properties throughout Wales. The team will complete the 540 mile distance covering each local authority area within 35 hours. Sam said: ‘At Cardiff Blues we do a lot of charity work and as a patron of Velindre this is a charity that I am proud to support. I was happy to be able to help out the team at First Choice to start their challenge and wish them luck over the next few days. I will be following their progress on their website and through Twitter.’ Hilary Ryan, Chief Executive said: ‘Our staff have been raising money for Velindre all year through different events and have so far raised over £1200… We feel honoured that Sam could join us and inspire the team to take on this challenge. This bike ride is the last big event we will be doing for Velindre and we are determined to raise even more money for this very worthy cause.’ Andrew Morris, Head of Velindre Fundraising said: ‘We are so grateful to all the staff at First Choice Housing for choosing Velindre as their charity of the year. Fundraising at the moment is incredibly difficult, so credit to everybody at First Choice for their hard work, dedication and commitment. All the money raised will make a difference to our cancer patients and their families.’ Progress on the team’s efforts can be monitored over the week through www.fcha.org.uk, twitter @firstchoiceha or www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHA accounts

Around the HousesMay 2012

Tonyrefail pupils have a head for figures

Children as young as eight years old are getting a heads up on all things money related as part of RCT Homes’ commitment to tackling financial exclusion. A class at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Tonyrefail is benefiting from weekly sessions covering money, employment and budgeting. This team was set up as part of the Sound as a Pound service which works with people to help make their money go further and create empowered and sustainable communities. The training offered can vary depending on needs and can be as simple as tips on saving energy in the home through to making a weekly budget balance. This is the first time that RCT Homes has delivered these sessions to children. Topics have so far included Saving and Spending and Jobs and Working Life. Children learn through interactive and hands-on sessions about practical money issues that they will be able to use throughout their childhood – and prepare them for financial decisions as they grow older.