As a direct result of Newydd Housing Association’s
commitment to targeted recruitment and training, a six month Multi-Skilled
employment opportunity has been created on a new build housing development, located
in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.
Robert, 33 from Tremorfa, is the latest recruit to join
the team working on site at Newydd’s new build housing development, consisting
of 8 homes, to include two adapted homes for disabled residents. The
development in the Herberts, Llanfair will assist local people to overcome the
challenges of affordable housing in rural areas in the Vale. Committed to
giving back to the local community through social clauses in procurement, Integrate
member Newydd require contractors to meet a number of good practice employment
and training requirements as a contractual requirement.
Liaising with the
contractor Bullock Construction, it was agreed that a six month Muti-Skilled
Operative post would be created, providing an unemployed young person the
opportunity to develop their skill set and return to paid employment, with a
competitive salary. Following a
successful recruitment process linking with government appointed work program
provider ‘Working Links’, Robert started on site the following week. Head of Working
Links Employer Services Ross Watts commented; “This
is a great example of how using targeted recruitment and training clauses can
significantly contribute to changing lives & creating more sustainable
futures for people in the communities we work. It’s hugely encouraging to
see a housing association as prestigious as Newydd using their procurement
power to leverage further community benefit. To make it a success It’s crucial
to have the support and commitment of employers such as Bullock Construction so
that meaningful job opportunities can be created and linked to unemployed
people with the right skills for the job”
Today, I caught up with
Robert, three days into his employment to find out how he was settling in on
site. “So far it’s been really good. I’ve been out of work for several months
and have constantly been applying for construction jobs both online and in
person. I’ve even been dropping in to any live site I have seen, to introduce
myself and hand over my CV, with no luck. I was really pleased when Working
Links told me about this Multi-Skilled Operative job as I have a strong
background in general laboring. I came for the interview last Thursday and was
told the next day that I had been successful and Dave the site manager wanted
me to start on the Monday. I couldn’t believe it!”
Above: Architects perspective of completed development
Image courtesy of Bullock Construction
Above: View of the site August 2012
Site Manger Dave Owen
commented, “I have been very impressed with how smooth the recruitment process
has gone and the quality of candidates received from Working Links via
Integrate Project Coordinator Clare. Robert has a demonstrated a positive attitude
and a passion for getting on with the job in hand whilst ensuring high
standards and a safe working environment is maintained at all times.”
Robert who has City and
Guilds Level 2 in Plumbing and a Diploma in Painting and Decorating explained
that his dream job would be a gas plumber running his own business, but he
lacks the onsite work experience to process onto Plumbing NQV level two. This
is a common issue encountered by thousands of job seekers and college students.
Without making targeted recruitment and training a core requirement within
contracts, hundreds of potential openings are being passed by.
Paul Roberts, Chief
Executive of Newydd said, “We are delighted that Robert has gained employment
with our contractors Bullock following our commitment to the Targeted
Recruitment and Training programme. It is clear that this position is making a
difference to Robert and we wish him every success in his new role. We will
continue to support the recruitment and training programme to ensure other apprentices
get every chance of job security in the future.”
To date,
Newydd has leveraged 14 employment and training opportunities with 9 different
contractors, through adopting core approach to community benefits to maximise the impact of the welsh pound through the Integrate
Project. This full time six month contract will not only allow Robert to develop
his skill set with a reputable contractor, but provide access to future employment
and training opportunities. To date, the project has actively engaged with 388
participants of whom 93 are currently live on site in paid employment,
apprenticeships and valuable work experience. Following completion of the six
month period, the Integrate project team will seek further opportunities for
Robert, particularly in the plumbing trade.
If you feel you are able to offer
Robert a plumbing apprenticeship or employment in this field, please contact:
Clare Parry: cparry@uwha.co.uk 07554 415846
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