Enterprising Annie is latest success in local jobs scheme

Published by Bobbie Hough for City West Housing Trust in Housing

A ‘super mum’ fromSalfordis the latest success story in an innovative employment programme from City West Housing Trust. 

The social housing provider, which owns and manages 14,600 homes inWest Salford, runs a work club to open doors to employment for its customers.

The club’s free training sessions cover CV writing, interview technique, confidence and team building and IT skills.

Single mum Annie Wharton feared a future on the employment scrap heap before taking part in the initiative. The 25-year-old from Little Hulton attended the work club after struggling to get back into employment after having her daughter, who is three.

Annie says the expert support she found at the club helped her secure a full-time role in human resources at a company based in Old Trafford which provides health and social care for ethnic minorities.

Annie said: “Before I had my daughter, I worked in the insurance industry and was doing well. But when it was time to start looking for work again, the landscape had really changed. There were so many more applicants going for each vacancy. It was really tough.

“I saw an advert for the work club and thought I would give it a go. For me, confidence was a big issue, and the support I got every week really helped to build me back up.

“We were given some really great advice. For example, the head of a recruitment agency came along to help us understand what employers were looking for on CVs, and how to shine during interviews. The tips were invaluable.

“It’s a brilliant feeling to have a job again after so long without work. I’m really enjoying my new role, and now feel a lot more optimistic about what the future holds for me and my daughter.”

The Work Club is one of a range of employment and training related services offered by City West Housing Trust. The organisation also runs a skills programme, which provides practical, hands on training in vocations such as painting and decorating, and a schools link construction project which provides local school pupils with the opportunity to gain vital skills and experience in construction to help them into future employment.

A dedicated Enterprise Team co-ordinates all these programmes, to maximise opportunities for customers.

Viv Simon, Head of Enterprise from City West Housing Trust, said: “We are thrilled for Annie. From the moment she turned up at our work club, we knew she had masses to offer. She just needed a bit of reassurance and guidance to help her get back into employment. We are so pleased we could help.

“Although we are a housing provider, we believe in going beyond bricks and mortar in order to create strong communities inWest Salford. These training and skills programmes help our customers achieve their full potential.”

Further information about the City West’s work clubs is available by calling the Trust on 0161 605 7651 or by emailing enterprise@citywest.org.uk . Details can also be found at www.citywesthousingtrust.org.uk