View publication - Chartered Institute of Housing

PART TWO: LEADING TOMORROW
sources of funding or concessionary fees for training for our people. This article will
illustrate in more detail what we have been able to achieve for community skills
development in the Wolverhampton area through our involvement with the NSAfC and
it shows how, in delivering major capital programmes, value added, multi-faceted and
community focused gains can be built into the process.
Our major value added achievements for communities in Wolverhampton
The achievement of NSAfC status and targets arising from this were overseen by a
Project Co-ordinator whose sole role was to work on developing employment and
training activities. This was achieved partly through the use of an Employment and Skills
Plan (ESP) which was reviewed quarterly and audited once a year by Construction Skills.
Some key achievements were as follows:
• Performance + Programme – 12 Companies including 24 delegates across the
partnership signed up to take part in this six month programme focusing on business
improvement and management training. Delegates had the opportunity to achieve
NVQ Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications in management.
• Women at Work Programme – Wolverhampton Homes secured funding to deliver
coaching and networking sessions for women working on the project, this included
management training. 14 individuals from across the project have taken part.
• Diversity training – Through external partners we offered diversity training to
companies working on the project.
• Future Jobs Fund placements – These posts were specifically for individuals from
the worklessness group. Individuals had their first six months employment funded.
• Apprentices – Apprentices were recruited, supported through our partnership with
Construction Skills and City of Wolverhampton College. Funding was available for
young people aged 16 to 18 years. A total of 17 apprentices were taken on in the
2010/2011 intake.
• Ambassadors – Training was made available for our existing workforce supported by
Construction Skills funding. Fully trained ambassadors then delivered careers talks
and activities to local schools and learning centres.
• Work experience, site visits and curriculum support – A range of opportunities
were offered to local schools and learning centres to support the development of
pupils and students. In addition to this local schools were engaged in an eco-project
which won a National Energy Action Award.
• Wolverhampton University and College – Partnerships were put in place to offer
support and practical experience to graduates and undergraduates.
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