The HCA Academy Visits STEP 1

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) recently visited the Salford Training and Employment Partnership (STEP 1), which has successfully completed the delivery of six construction training programmes and a research project in Higher Broughton.

Ross Hemmings, Regeneration Investment Officer with Contour Housing Group helped showcase the project to Colin Kearney, the Apprenticeships Advisor at the HCA, providing background information on how the project was developed and funded.

Ross said “The STEP 1 initiative is a partnership with Contour and Great Places Housing Group and funded by Salford City Council.”

“Developed 3 years ago, STEP1 aims to provide support and guidance to Salford residents wanting to train in construction and opportunities in other areas of employment. “

Mr Kearney saw that in the period March 2008 to date, STEP 1 Construction has partnered with a local social enterprise called Brighter Future to provide an eight week training programme to 65 Salford residents, where they had access to Accredited learning, CSCS training and test, First Aid, Manuel handling, Working safely at heights and pre employment skills. The residents carried out their practical training on a ‘real life’ building site.

In addition, STEP 1 recruited five local unemployed people to work as community reporters, where they engaged with the local community gathering view points. They also gained skills in interviewing techniques, video, social media and communication.

“We are very proud of the achievements of STEP 1,” said Ross, “It is a useful training tool for people wanting to develop a career and offers support and advice on further training and employment opportunities. Colin Kearney commended the project and said it was an exemplar for others to follow.”