CHRONICLE

INTRODUCING SPEC
SUPPORTING PEOPLE:
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
SPEC is a new Clanmil programme providing skills and employability
training to our tenants and the wider community.
The £850,000 programme, which
is open to both women and
men, has been developed in
partnership with Women’sTEC,
the largest provider of training for
women in non-traditional skills in
Northern Ireland, and is funded through
the European Union’s Social Fund.
Through SPEC, participants can access
a range of entry-level programmes
including accredited programmes
in Joinery, Plumbing, Electrics,
Horticulture, Furniture Making, Painting
and Decorating, Tiling, Entrepreneur
training, Money Management,
Computers, First Aid and Health &
Safety.
To experience SPEC and find out
where their interest’s lie, programme
participants can take part in a sampling
course called Tea and Drills without
committing to a full programme. And,
for those who already know what they
want to do and are keen to get into the
workplace, SPEC can also move at a
quicker pace to suit their needs.
Childcare will be available and travel
costs will be covered.
TEA AND DRILLS
Clanmil and Women’sTEC have already
delivered some Tea and Drills sessions.
This is what Allison, who lives with her
son at Harbourview apartments in
Belfast, said about the programme:
“When I heard about Tea and Drills I
thought I’d go along and see what it was
about. I just thought it would get me out
of the house and doing something.
“I’m glad I did! I’ve enjoyed the fun with
the other girls and our instructor Louise
has been great. After the first week I was
really looking forward to coming back.
“The workshops have turned out to be
more than just a bit of fun. I’ve learned
new skills that will allow me to have a go
at jobs around the house that I would
never have attempted before. Like most
of the other girls taking part, I’m on my
own with my son, so being able to do
things like DIY myself is important. It
may not seem like a big thing but just
being able to hang a picture by yourself
or put up a curtain rail allows you to take
a bit of control. It’s a boost for my self
confidence to know that with the right
equipment and a bit of guidance there’s
lots of things I can do.”
A number of private sector employers,
including our Maintenance Contractor,
JMC have come on board to help fund
the SPEC programme.
SIGN UP FOR A COURSE
As well as boosting your chances of
getting a job, SPEC is a great opportunity
to meet other people, give your
confidence a boost and learn skills that
would be useful around the home.
If you are interested in knowing more
about SPEC or want to register for a
course, please get in touch by emailing
SPEC@Clanmil.org.uk or by calling
Patricia at Women’sTEC on 028 9074
9810. Alternatively, speak to your
Housing Officer.
Clanmil Housing Group | 11