The long-term unemployed are being helped back into work-based training to improve their job prospects during the recession, thanks to Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) West Midlands.
FHM, part of the Keepmoat group, is offering vital opportunities to people who have recently been made redundant, or have suffered the effects of long-term unemployment.
The Coleshill-based office is mentoring people through the Pathways training centre which was established in 2005 with the support of Frank Haslam Milan, Solihull College, Solihull Community Housing, Solihull Council and other partners.
The training scheme was devised as part of the Government's Decent Homes programme to modernise older council properties and to help young unemployed adults strengthen their CV's. Training is being delivered in multiple trades ranging from bricklaying to plumbing, tiling and carpentry.
As part of the training programme, FHM is offering young unemployed adults the opportunity to carry out work placements on a number of its regeneration projects across the West Midlands.
Six young adults are celebrating the completion of the 12 week scheme and have gained a number of certificates including Manual Handling Awareness, Construction Skills Health & Safety, Asbestos Awareness, Customer Service and First Aid.
Stuart Nicholls, FHM's Contracts Manager, said: "The Pathways training centre is making it possible for those who have been made redundant, the long-term unemployed and people interested in apprenticeship schemes to gain some work-based training.
"It's a fantastic resource during the recession when people are hoping to find a new job, add to their CV's and impress a future employer."
FHM is currently working alongside Solihull Community Housing (SCH) to refurbish 11,000 properties as part of a £115 million pound Government Decent Homes programme.
To mark the success of the Pathways scheme, SCH hosted a special ceremony and rewarded the students with certificates and vouchers that they can spend on items or services to help them progress, such as tools or driving lessons.
