Vulnerable people shown the building blocks to their future

Published by Craig Downs for Keepmoat in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Vulnerable people linked to local charity Action Housing and Support have been given a rare insight of working in the construction industry by leading housebuilder Keepmoat.

The community regeneration specialist invited six potential apprentices along to its Brearley Forge housing development in Parson Cross last week (Friday 1^st March) to catch a glimpse of how the building industry works first hand.

The aim of the initiative is to help build the confidence of individuals in touch with the charity and to invite them to apply for potential apprenticeship schemes in future. 

Keepmoat is planning to hire 15 apprentices at Brearley Forge where 142 new homes are being built to suit first-time buyers, couples or families looking for a bit more space.

The Brearley Forge development is being delivered by The Sheffield Housing Company – a partnership between Keepmoat, Sheffield City Council and Great Places Housing Group, which is delivering 2,300 new homes across the city over the next 15 years.

The first phase of the project will involve a total of 305 homes being built. In addition to the 142 homes at Brearley Forge, 116 homes will be built in Norfolk Park and 47 in Shirecliffe.

The aim of the partnership is to take on as many as 200 apprentices across all three proposed schemes and to boost the local economy with labour initiatives and training schemes.

Senior site manager for Keepmoat, Steven Spencer said: “The site tour with Action Housing and Support was a huge success and the group really got a lot out of walking round the development and recognising how many different trades are involved in the scheme – it’s not just bricklaying and joinery they can sign up to.

“We are hopeful that many will now see the construction industry as a potential career option and we have provided details should anyone wish to apply for an apprenticeship scheme in future.”  

Action Housing and Support is a registered charity and provider of social housing, delivering quality accommodation and tenancy support services across Yorkshire and the Midlands.

The charity works to enable vulnerable people to establish a home and live responsibly in society by preventing homelessness and helping individuals access suitable accommodation, budget responsibly, reduce their likelihood of reoffending and enter treatment services.

Nicki Pickard, Client Engagement Manager at Action Housing and Support said: “We are very grateful to Keepmoat for organising this event which has benefited a number of our service users interested in working for the construction trade. I’m sure it will give many of them the confidence to apply for apprenticeship schemes with Keepmoat and gain a qualification in their chosen skills base.”

“Keepmoat believes that regenerating and energising a local area shouldn’t just end with the provision of new housing,” said Lesley Hibbins, Apprentice Coordinator at Keepmoat.

“We believe it is vital to support the communities in which we build.  By offering positions for apprenticeships we are not just regenerating the area but regenerating the work force too.

“We are offering the chance for young local people to develop skills that will help them forge careers for the future, benefitting themselves and the cohesive nature of the community as a whole.”