Pictured above: (back l-r) Connor Dawson, Sercan Akkurt, Tom
Joughin, Craig Taylor, (front l-r) Stacey Crosby and Andy
Ingram
An innovative community enterprise is leading the way after
being named a Housing Forum Demonstration Project.
Using local trainees, Homeworks, provides home improvement and
environmental services to homes, businesses and communities in
Staffordshire.
Developed by social enterprise PM Training, it gives young
trainees the valuable skills and experience they need to secure
sustainable employment, while improving properties beyond the
Government's Decent Homes standard.
Small teams of young people are guided by trained and
experienced supervisors to provide gardening, furnishing, painting
and decorating, environmental improvements, estate caretaking and
public art.
Will Nixon, Chief Executive of PM Training said: "Homeworks
provides real work and life changing opportunities for unemployed
young people.
"At the same time, it creates attractive living, working and
public spaces and offers a valuable service to elderly, disabled
and vulnerable people who may struggle to maintain their homes and
gardens.
"I am delighted that the success of Homeworks has been
recognised by the Housing Forum.
"As a Demonstration Project we can share our knowledge and
expertise on a national platform with other organisations committed
to improving local communities."
Demonstration Projects are examples of best practice in
construction, selected by the Housing Forum to influence change
among other organisations in the industry.
Homeworks partners with Stoke City Council, Aspire Housing,
Staffordshire Housing and RENEW North Staffordshire to deliver
services to over 4,000 customers.
Around 70% of learners completing the Homeworks programme move
on to apprenticeships and further employment - the highest
performance achieved by a training provider in the region.
Individually tailored programmes and a close network of support
from mentors ensures that all learners from any background are
given the best skills for a successful future.
PM Training, part of the Aspire Group, tackles worklessness by
giving those with few or no qualifications an alternative route
into employment.