Pictured above: Fauziah Begum

A Birmingham youngster has successfully battled her way onto the employment ladder after completing a work placement on one of the city's leading regeneration projects.

Fauziah Begum, 21, was one of 23 placements allocated to the £25million Crocodile Works development in Newtown as part of a commitment by Midland Heart and Urban Living to provide employment opportunities to local people during the construction period.

The placements were open to trades people, anyone wanting to gain construction skills or looking to take their first step back into employment. 

Fauziah was one of five youngsters who obtained an office based training placement, secured through the government's 'Future Jobs Fund' scheme. 

Just six months into her placement, Fauziah has successfully secured a temporary open contract with housing and regeneration organisation, Midland Heart. 

"I have been very fortunate to have this opportunity at Midland Heart.  I have really enjoyed working here and it has enabled me to grow in confidence whilst allowing me to gain valuable skills," said Fauziah, who has taken up a position as a team administrator with the company.

"Although it is getting increasingly difficult to find employment, I would urge anyone to take up work placements as you never know where it could lead."

The project is being delivered by Midland Heart in partnership with Urban Living, Birmingham City Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and contractor William Davis.

Carl Larter, director for new business and development at Midland Heart, said: "Crocodile Works has opened up a range of opportunities for local people and it is fantastic news that Fauziah has been able to secure additional employment on the back of her work placement.  

"We are committed to supporting the communities we live in and we will continue to create job opportunities and recruit local talent at every opportunity."

Crocodile Works is due to complete in March 2011 and will provide 168 properties available for intermediate rent, rent-to-homebuy and sale. 

As part of its £150 million, eight year investment programme, Urban Living ensured that partners delivered job opportunties through its regeneration projects. 

Steve Lilley, Urban Living's director of programme & performance, explained: "It's great to see local young people taking up positions through developments such as Crocodile Works. 

"In our view, economic development is as important as creating new homes. With so much investment being made it's only natural that we carve out jobs and training opportunities for local people. This is what creates sustainable communities."

The last 12 months has seen Midland Heart create 49 jobs within the organisation as well as providing additional training opportunities across its project and schemes.