Ref: PRSH07
Date: 22nd July 2014 

Housing Association welcomes young recruits

High resolution image for download 

A local housing association has taken on five young people as part of a successful programme to help the long-term unemployed back into work.

They are the latest to benefit from a commitment by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) to boost employment opportunities for people living in the areas where it provides housing services.

The new recruits are the fourth cohort of young people to join SARH as part of the Construction Operatives programme, a pre-apprenticeship initiative that combines hands-on work experience with life-skills training.

Marie McCarren, Learning and Development Manager, explained: "Run in partnership with the Shaw Trust the programme has proved a huge success, with the vast majority of previous participants going on to find apprenticeships or permanent employment.

"Several of them are now working for SARH, and many others have found jobs with other organisations or businesses."

The six-month Construction Operative programme is open to 18-25 year olds who are out of work and at SARH they'll be given a taste of a range of different trades, including plumbing, carpentry and bricklaying. Once a month they will also spend time at SARH's Learning Academy, developing money management and employability skills.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, commented: "The programme offers a fantastic opportunity for young people who might otherwise not be given a chance to learn new skills whilst gaining practical work experience.

"Alongside our core aim of becoming the area's leading provider of housing services we are committed to improving the communities we serve and job creation has a key role to play in this."

Caption:

• Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of Stafford and Rural Homes with the latest cohort of Construction Operatives, from left to right: Christopher Mason (25), Matthew Kerr (21) Christopher Renshaw (20), Darren Simkins (19) and Stephen Burdett (21)

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk