East Durham Homes, who manage 8,300 homes on behalf of Durham County Council, is carrying out improvements as part of its on-going commitment to bring all properties up to the decent homes standard.
According to Housing News:
Work should be completed in all homes by the end of March 2015.
As part of the SPA (Strategic Partnering Agreement) with Durham County Council, the 3 decent homes partners Esh Group, Keepmoat and Wates Living Space made a commitment to create at least 37 new employment opportunities as well as achieving a local labour target of 80 per cent (based on a 30 mile radius from the site).
So far the partnership has successfully created 134 employment opportunities (22 apprenticeships and 112 jobs) over a wide range of different trades including electricians, plumbers, scaffolders, joiners and business administrators. Of these new opportunities 57 people are local residents of County Durham.
The partners have also worked with local training providers to create 24 additional work placements/traineeships as well as conducting visits to local schools to raise awareness of careers in the construction sector.
Ben Whitfield left school and applied for a scaffolding apprenticeship with BP Scaffolding. This vacancy was created through BP’s contract with Keepmoat on East Durham Homes property improvement programme. Since starting, Ben has thrived in his role and is thoroughly enjoying his apprenticeship.
Luke Whitmore was unemployed and enrolled on a plumbing course at East Durham College. He was offered a work placement through Keepmoat, with one of their sub-contractors DJ McGough Ltd, who work on East Durham Homes property improvement programme. DJ McGough Ltd were very impressed by Luke and he was offered full time employment as an adult apprentice.
Geoff Scott, community investment manager at Keepmoat said: “These are 2 really good examples of how Keepmoat works in close partnership with our sub-contractors to create life changing opportunities for local people. It’s fantastic to see the progress both Luke and Ben have made since they have started and I am sure they will both have successful careers.”
Tricia Mullen, Esh Group training manager said: “The partnership facilitated the recruitment of Ellie Fraser, who had left University looking for employment and Demi Malcolm, who was on a traineeship. Both were recruited as Business and Administration apprentices, they are on target to achieve and are likely to progress to Advanced Apprenticeships.”
Joanne Jamieson, regional managing director for Wates Living Space, said: “We always aim to help people who wish to get into the construction industry receive the right advice and training. The partnership has worked hard to create an impressive number of employment opportunities throughout the scheme and we hope that all those involved have long and fruitful careers.”
Michael Doyle, East Durham Homes interim chief executive said: “Whilst the primary purpose of East Durham Homes is to manage housing and work with our partners to deliver excellent services, we also try to address some of the more complex issues facing our communities beyond the provision of housing. There is a real need for training and employment in our area and the commitment from our partners to provide these opportunities is a real help.”