Employment at Kirkholt housing development

Apprentice David Anderson, Gemma Glossop (RBH), Glynn Rhodes (Southdale) Clare Tostevin (RBH) and Brendan Fajt (Southdale)

Social housing landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is developing 25 three-bedroom houses, three bungalows and two four-bedroom houses in the Kirkholt area which will include homes for sale, rent and shared ownership and represent the first new build affordable housing in the area for many years.

Gareth Swarbrick, Chief Executive of RBH said: “This is a key development for RBH and as well as supporting the physical regeneration of the area we were keen to develop ideas which would help the local economy.

“RBH joined forces with Great Places Housing Group and affordable housing specialist Southdale to provide training opportunities for four unemployed Rochdale residents.”

The partnership had joint funding of £48k to provide access to construction training and work for the four residents.

The four men aged between 20 and 33, were employed by Southdale as site operatives on a 12 month fixed term contract and received support and training so they could achieve an NVQ level 2 in General Construction.

Prior to the scheme the trainees completed a 13 week volunteering programme organised by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale where they fully renovated a property situated on the local estate.

Following the volunteer programme, the trainees were able to move on to paid employment with Southdale which gave them the opportunity to utilise and develop the skills they had learned as volunteers.

Bev Robinson, HR Director from Southdale said: “All of the trainees completed their NVQs, gained their CSCS card and completed their contract. They showed great commitment to the programme as they recognised how it would improve their employment potential.”

The training scheme has been completed and two of the trainees are now working in the construction industry, one has yet to find employment but is looking for a trade specific apprenticeship and one, David Anderson has been employed by Southdale on a permanent basis.

Nicolette Aydin, Employment & Training Manager from Great Places Housing Group said: “The partners are delighted to have been able to provide support to help tackle worklessness in Rochdale.

“This particular scheme has proved to be very successful and we will continue to work with and support the trainees until they have reached their individual goals.”