Home improvements are just the job as Wythenshawe tenant starts a new career

A grandmother from Wythenshawe who had been out of work for over two years has shown that it is never too late to start a new career after securing a job as part of the team working to improve former council properties in the area.

Sue Wheeler, 51 of Baguley, worked for 20 years providing health and social care for the elderly before leaving her post for health reasons two and a half years ago. With her husband also on incapacity benefit Sue began considering returning to work in a different capacity but felt that a lack of transferable skills and qualifications could prove prohibitive, prompting a decision to seek further training.

Sue said: “When I began looking for a new career I needed something that wasn’t too physical but also didn’t mean I was sitting in the same place all day either, so the office environment was perfect for me. Obviously I was aware how integral computers are in offices nowadays but all I knew at the time was how to turn it on and off again! So I looked into taking a basic computing course and this was when I signed up with Forum Learning in Wythenshawe.”

Forum Learning is a one-stop shop for adult learning in Wythenshawe providing courses designed for adults who want to return to study, learn for fun of earn qualifications from pre-GCSE to degree level. To ensure courses give local people the right skills to get local jobs Forum Learning has developed close links with local employers and it was this that led to an opportunity for Sue. She said: “I completed the initial course in December with an Ocnw qualification (Open college north west) and I enjoyed it so much I decided to try an NVQ Level 1 in business administration.

“It was while taking this course that the college asked if I was interested in taking advantage of a four week voluntary placement to help improve my skills further and I jumped at the chance. I know how difficult it is to get a new job in the current climate, nevermind start a completely new career, and I was just thankful that I had a chance to show what I could do.

The position saw Sue offered the chance to work as an administrator for Connaught as part of the partnership to improve Parkway Green Housing Trust (PGHT) properties in the area. As a PGHT tenant herself, Sue had already experienced the home improvement process undertaken: “Connaught had actually carried out the improvements to my home so I already knew a lot about them and the type of works they undertake. I had a brand new kitchen fitted in just 13 days and they did a marvellous job so I was looking forward to becoming part of the process for other residents to receive the same service.”

After the initial four week placement Connaught offered Sue a fixed term contract to work on administration duties such as booking survey appointments in tenants’ homes. Kate Kenney, Connaught customer experience manager, said: “Sue has been a shining example to anybody else looking to return to work in a new career. When deciding she would like to return to the workplace in a new capacity Sue took the steps to ensure she had the skills required and since she has been working with Connaught this, along with a willing attitude, has quickly seen her become a valued member of the team.”

Ian Gregg, Parkway Green Housing Trust Director of Communities and Investment, said: “I am delighted to see Sue secure employment at the start of her new career. As well as providing quality homes and services Parkway Green Housing Trust is committed to giving something back to the community and this includes creating opportunities for local people to work in Wythenshawe, so for one of our tenants to secure a position such as this during a recession is extremely pleasing.

“Sue has grasped the opportunity to work with Connaught with both hands and is living proof that even during the most difficult economic times there are opportunities for local people to successfully pursue a new career direction.”

Sue summed up the way her new career has come about: “There has been a lot of hard work involved and I’ve had a lot to learn but in the current climate to get a new job then you have to really want it.

“I then was over the moon to be offered a full time position and I feel a lot more confident with my skills and my family have even commented on how I seem to be happier. I’ve now started an NVQ Level 2 business administration course and if I trace it back to accepting the voluntary position it’s no exaggeration to say it has literally changed my life and I would definitely recommend to others the path I chose to a new career.”

Connaught is working in partnership with Parkway Green Housing Trust to deliver Decent Homes improvements as part of the wider Impact Manchester partnering agreement that aims to deliver improvements to almost 40,000 homes in the city.