Stephen is City West’s 250th graduate
Jul 2, 2014 City West Housing Trust’s award-winning Skills Programme is celebrating, having helped the 250th person on the scheme to find work and training with a construction firm in Salford.
The initiative helps local and long-term unemployed residents interested in a career in construction to find work and guarantees that, for every £1 million City West spends to improve its homes across Salford, a new job is created for a local person.
The programme offers a series of initial training sessions before candidates team up with organisations and carry out work on their regeneration projects.
18 year old Stephen Bowden from Eccles is the 250th person to have enrolled on the Skills Programme after leaving school with only a handful of qualifications.
Stephen now has a bright new career with City West’s contractor Emanuel Whittaker and is completing a floor laying apprenticeship.
Stephen said: “This apprenticeship is just what I needed. Learning in the classroom didn’t work out for me, but now I feel I have direction and something to aim for.
“Although I’m only at the beginning of my career, I already feel like I’m really achieving something and my confidence is going from strength to strength. I really look forward to going to work every day and it’s fantastic to be getting paid to do something that I love.”
Stephen adds: “I would advise anyone in the area who is struggling to find work to consider joining City West’s Skills Programme. I was really keen to pursue a career in floor laying and securing my apprenticeship has put me on the right path to achieve my aspirations.”
Colette McKune, Deputy Chief Executive at City West, said: “We are very proud to have helped 250 local people to find work and gain qualifications in the construction industry.
“We remain committed to providing employment and training opportunities and we will continue to work with our contractors to help increase the number of job opportunities available in Salford.”
In addition to the Skills Programme, City West has also created 100 jobs, including 19 apprenticeships, through its own repairs and maintenance subsidiary – City West Works – which was established in April 2013.
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