Young apprentices set for bright future in construction industry

Jan 29, 2013

Three young tradesmen are on their way to promising futures in the construction industry after money saved by Contour Homes was used to give their careers a boost.

Chris Stockley, Matthew Mott and Rhys Jones are all working and studying after Contour Homes invested savings in apprenticeships for the trio.

For 18-year-old Chris, of Shaw, Oldham, it’s given him the chance to earn, learn and follow in the footsteps of his dad and brother.

He is working for Rochdale-based painting contractor ER Williams, has completed a Level 2 NVQ in painting and decorating, and is currently working towards his Level 3 qualification at Oldham College. Now he’s hoping to move on to university to study on a part-time construction and development course next year.

Chris said: “I don’t know what I would’ve done without the apprenticeship. I’ve always wanted to work in the trade. My brother is a painter and decorator and my dad was before he retired.

“It’s hard out there at the moment, and I’ve got quite a few mates who are struggling to find jobs or training. This is a great opportunity for me and it’s opened the door to university.”

Apprentices Matthew and Rhys are both working for Oldham-based contractors Emanuel Whittaker while also studying at Oldham College.

Matthew, aged 24, of Fitton Hill, is fitting windows and completed a Level 2 NVQ in Interior Fitting last year. He is being further supported onto a Level 3 qualification in Wood Occupations this year.

Rhys, aged 17, of Chadderton, who has recently started a Level 2 course in Wood Occupations, said: “I really enjoy joinery and like the idea of starting and finishing a job. Since taking up employment I can afford to take driving lessons, which is brilliant.”

Contour Homes has invested in the three-year apprenticeships, plus two more, as a result of buying £3 million of goods and services via the Manchester-based Procure Plus network during the current financial year. A consortium made up of housing associations, it is able to bulk-buy everything from windows and doors to kitchens and paint, meaning money can be saved to invest in other things.

Ross Hemmings, regeneration invest ment officer at Salford-based Contour Homes, said spending that money on “more than bricks and mortar” was vital to help communities prosper.
As well as funding the apprenticeships, savings have also been spent on a variety of community and environmental improvements.

Ross said: “Using Procure Plus has generated savings that we’ve been able to invest in employment and training for Chris, Matthew and Rhys.

“Times are challenging, both economically and for the construction industry, and creating opportunities like these is really important. It’s not just about making physical improvements to neighbourhoods, but creating an investment in skills that is lasting for our communities.

“Offering defined apprenticeships helps support people to achieve success in their chosen career, learning skills for life that will allow them to work in the trades and perhaps start up their own businesses.”

Mark Wilson, apprentice & trainee development! at Procure Plus, added: “We’re delighted to support these young people to succeed in their chosen professions.

“As a regeneration consortium of social housing providers, at Procure Plus we understand it is vital that we create these training opportunities for people to sustain long-term employment.”

A good job all round

Nov 27, 2012

Salix Homes are delivering improvements to many properties as part of the Decent Homes programme, but for resident David Perry, the repairs have also led to a full-time job.

When David heard that Salix Homes was making improvements to his home at Black Friar Court in Broughton, he was delighted. But the enterprising resident also thought that the repairs could be more than just a boost for the building.

“I am a qualified tiler, but the economic downturn in the construction industry has meant that I found it very difficult to find a permanent job. The company carrying out the repair work, Emanuel Whittaker, held an open day in January to inform residents about what to expect from the work” David explained.  “I took the chance to ask about employment – however at that time there was nothing on offer.”

In the meantime, David’s name kept coming up in the site office as a result of his good turns in the neighbourhood. Ian McCune, Site Manager explained:  “David is very well known for being a good neighbour on the block. He helps out with shopping or goes to the laundry for older people here and he also carries out odd jobs now and then.  Everyone had a good word to say about him and so he was always front of mind.”

As the work progressed to upgrading kitchens and bathrooms in the block Emanuel Whittaker needed to find a suitably qualified tiler – and not surprisingly David’s name came up again.

David successfully applied for the position and has now joined the company as a tiler where he is helping to carry out improvement work on his neighbours’ properties at Black Friar Court.

Dave said “It’s a great feeling to be back in work and especially doing work for my friends and neighbours! If I hear they need something like a run to the laundry or putting up a shelf I try to help out after work.”

Sue Sutton, Salix Homes Director of Neighbourhoods and Customer Service said “We are thrilled that our home improvement work has benefited a local resident in more ways than one, and it’s a real reward for David’s initiative and commitment to the community.

If you would like help getting back into work visit our online tips www.salixhomes.org/worklessness.htm or register with us to receive help.

You can also find out more information on the Decent Homes repairs including searching for repairs for your area. www.salixhomes.org/Improvements-to-your-home.htm

Salford Mayor welcomes new Salix Trainees

May 11, 2012

Salix Homes major investment programme is having some amazing affects, and not just on the homes in Salford.

Emanuel Whittaker have a long tradition of providing real jobs and training opportunities to local people. The partnership with Procure Plus and Salix Homes has enabled the 175 year old construction company to take on another seven trainees to join the existing three trainees currently working on Salix Homes projects.

To mark their arrival they received a visit from local Councillor, Stephen Coen and the newly elected Mayor of Salford, Ian Stewart. The VIPs joined the new trainees on the Duchy site, where Emanuel Whittaker are currently carrying out a major programme of internal and external improvement works on behalf of Salix Homes. Councillor Coen and Mr Stewart chatted to the trainees about their experiences in getting into their current positions and wished them well with their training.

Pictured here from left are Josh Harden, Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner; Alex Sheerin, Apprentice Plumber; Councillor Stephen Coen; Rachel Howarth, Trainee Insulation & Building Treatment Operative; Mayor of Salford Ian Stewart; Duchy resident and Trainee Interior Fitter, Chris Corbett; Scott Bond, Trainee Interior Fitter and Cade McMillan, Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner, who was on his first day on the job!

Not pictured are latest newcomer Matthew CaseyInsulation & Building Treatments trainee; Bradley Healey, Trainee Maintenance Operative and Michelle Bailey, Trainee Resident Liaison Officer.

Emanuel Whittaker will be working with Salix Homes to deliver several major projects as part of this year’s investment programme. The works to the Duchy Estate, Stoney Knoll and Gloverfield, Black Friars Court, Floral Court and Bury New Road are all through the Procure Plus Framework.

Emanuel Whittaker’s Apprentices Recognised for their Achievements

May 3, 2012

Emanuel Whittaker are justifiably proud of our apprentices after three of them were recognised for their skills and achievements at various awards events this season.

20-year-old Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner Tom Siwka has beaten off stiff competition to win the top spot at The Oldham College Awards, winning the main award of Apprentice of the Year.

Tom joined Emanuel Whittaker in 2009 as a bench joiner in the company joinery manufacturing workshop.  He then transferred to site and is now in the final year of his advanced carpentry and joinery apprenticeship.

After achieving a Distinction in her core knowledge test, Apprentice Bricklayer and Construction Ambassador Katie Lockwood was nominated by her college to take part in the Guild of Bricklayers Competition at Preston College. Although pipped at the post for the top prize, her tutors said “she is a credit to the company. Her work is of a very good standard and her attitude and conduct on the day were second to none.”

Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner Liam McKelvey has notched up awards in every year of his apprenticeship. Liam started off his award cabinet by winning ‘SELCA Apprentice of the Year’ in his first year apprenticeship. After getting 3^rd place in 2010 and coming 2^nd in last year’s National Skill Build competition, 18-year-old Liam was selected again to represent his college at this years competition.

Emanuel Whittaker Health, Safety and Environment Manager Lee Bradbury said “We’re very proud of all our finalists. Win or lose, they have all demonstrated the high levels of commitment and hard work needed to secure a trade in the industry.  We have a history of taking young people through apprenticeships and onto full time careers within our company, and we have high hopes that all our apprentices will have a secure future in their chosen trades.”

Trainees feature in BBC 1’s Newsnight

Nov 15, 2011

As part of its on-going commitment towards recruiting, training and employing local people, Emanuel Whittaker have taken on 4 new apprentices to work on their projects with Salix Homes in Salford.

Before being given the chance to settle into their new roles, the trainees were interviewed by the BBC to feature in their Newsnight article regarding youth unemployment.

New apprentice plasterer, Rachael was also given a ‘Star’ Award by Salix Homes CEO for her efforts.