Regional Minister to officially open PM Training

Minister for the West Midlands Ian Austin MP will visit Stoke-on-Trent on Monday to officially open the newly refurbished premises of a social enterprise which tackles worklessness among young people.

PM Training, part of the Aspire Housing Group, has already helped 10,000 teenagers into sustainable training and employment.

Following a bumper £2million investment in its workshop Atlas Works, the organisation is committed to the people and businesses it supports, and to further driving the successful regeneration of the area.

Will Nixon, Chief Executive of PM Training, said: “The delivery of excellent services, and helping individuals fulfil their true potential is our priority.

“By investing in our facilities, we are able to provide even better training opportunities.

“We have transformed our on-site workshops and upgraded equipment to hone the skills of young people, preparing them for the future.

“We look forward to welcoming the Minister to PM Training and giving him the opportunity to meet some of the apprentices who have been given a real life chance.”

Cllr Hazel Lyth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for economic development and culture, added: “Organisations like PM Training are helping young people to access the support they need to get in to work.

“Young people have a wealth of creativity and talent in this city and over the next 20 years regeneration plans will secure thousands of jobs. It is important that our young people are first in line for these opportunities.”

PM Training, the largest social enterprise subsidiary of any UK housing association, was established in 1982 to provide high quality training, job placements and permanent employment opportunities.

Working with companies across the region, it provides significant apprenticeship opportunities in numerous trades including construction, engineering, landscaping and customer services.

It became part of the Aspire Housing Group in 2008, an organisation also committed to the career development of young people in North Staffordshire.

In the past 12 months Aspire has recruited 30 apprentices from PM Training – 6.5 per cent of its workforce. The apprenticeship programme will be developed even further with a target of employing 50 young apprentices by 2010.