RSSSalford partnership puts unemployed to work
Published: 2010-01-04 10:25:04
Eleven unemployed people from Salford have celebrated their graduation from a ground-breaking new scheme aimed at getting them back into work. (Sourced from here.)
The pioneering training programme is being run by social enterprise scheme, B4Box in partnership with Salford City College, Salford City Council and Salix Homes.
It aims to help unemployed people in Salford gain the skills and qualifications they require to get a job in construction.
Trainees study for an NVQ 2 and 3 in trade occupations, delivered through Salford City College, and receive on-the-job work experience to help them become employable in the building trade.
Neil Dunn, Centre Principal of Salford City College, City Campus said, "The college is proud to be a part of such a strong, innovative and creative partnership. It is opportunities like this that give us the chance to give back to the community of Salford what it deserves."
Hazel Blears, MP for Salford, attended the graduation ceremony which was held at Salford Civic Centre. She said "I was very impressed by the high quality of work produced by the trainees, who have gained an excellent range of skills, and it is clear that this experience has changed their lives. I am sure that they will be in great demand."
Salford City Council, in partnership with its housing association, Salix Homes, provided the trainees with valuable work experience, modernising local council housing. As part of their hands-on training, they worked alongside fully qualified contractors to help fit kitchens, bathrooms and new doors in Salix Homes' managed properties in central Salford.
Once renovated, the properties will be rented out again as affordable housing for local people.