Home improvements prove to be a positive experience for Weston super Mare resident

A Weston-super-Mare man seeking a return to full-time employment has enjoyed an invaluable experience after joining the team working to improve thousands of properties in the area.

Dominic Hingston, 50 of the Bournville estate, has been offered experience as part of the Connaught Partnerships Ltd team working to improve kitchens and bathrooms within local NSHousing properties.

After being partnered with Connaught labourer Sid Risdale, Dominic spent three days with the team assisting with works including stripping wallpaper prior to improvements, delivering materials to the team and other general labouring duties.

Currently employed part-time as a caretaker while between labouring jobs, Dominic secured the work experience position with Connaught through westonworks; the One Stop Skills and Job Shop aiming to help local people to reach their full potential in education, enterprise and employment. Anyone aged over 18 is invited to use westonworks to access free advice and support on learning, training, volunteering and employment as well as receiving assistance in completing application forms, interview skills and writing a CV.

Adrian Stone, westonworks manager, said: "During the current economic climate it is especially important for companies to provide genuine work experience for local people and we were pleased therefore to see NSHousing and Connaught offer this opportunity.”

"It is becoming increasingly difficult for people of all ages to get back into work and as a result the chance to gain relevant experience of the workplace is more invaluable than ever and we are hopeful that Dominic's work with Connaught demonstrates exactly what he has to offer."

Dominic is a NSHousing resident and an active member of Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) and sits on numerous tenant panels, so the experience of seeing at first-hand how the works are delivered will offer additional benefits. He explained: “As well as the relevant work experience the time I have spent as a member of the Connaught team has definitely provided a real insight into what it takes to do the work and there is a lot more involved than you might think, which I will be reporting back to NSHousing.

“I have found everyone extremely friendly and helpful with all questions that I had being answered. The whole experience has been really beneficial for me and I would definitely feel that similar opportunities would benefit young people and hopefully give them the encouragement to pursue a career in this field. “

Jacky Ryan, Connaught’s Customer Experience Manager said: “By inviting Dominic to work alongside us this demonstrates that Connaught is truly embracing the partnership ethic and is providing an excellent opportunity for others to gain an insight into the industry. Dominic has certainly demonstrated the required commitment and drive to gain meaningful employment and we hope the time he has spent with us will further enhance his future career prospects.”

NSHousing and Connaught are working in partnership to deliver kitchen, bathroom, gas and roofing improvements to 6000 properties as part of a five year contract.