Information on >
Chester & District Housing Trust

Students learn from housing trust

Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) has teamed up with the University of Chester to provide hands-on experience of working life to students. CDHT currently has seven students from the University on work based learning placements. The students are working in many different areas, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Housing Management, Waste Management and Neighbourhood Enterprise. Tasks range from consulting with staff to improve IT services to working on ways of reducing the environmental impact of the Trust.

Jo Walter, 21, studying Mathematics, said:

“This is the third year that CDHT has taken on students for the University of Chester’s work based learning scheme and I think it’s a great idea. All placements are five weeks long, full time. My placement is on waste management for the company, trying to reduce the amount of refuse created. I am enjoying my placement; it’s broadening my experience beyond my degree. I think it’s a great opportunity to do something different without making a major commitment to a particular career.”

Zoe Hensby, 19, studying Management, said:

“I’m in the second year of a 3 year course at the University of Chester. I’m working for Mike Statham in the Human Resources team at CDHT. I’m producing a guide of policies and putting them together as an electronic book for colleagues. I am currently undecided about which area of business I would like to go into. I really enjoy the HR department and I have done modules in people management and human resources management. I think my third year at university will show me which area I favour better as I will be studying managerial finance which I also enjoy.”

Adam Fairbrass, 21, studying BA (Hons) Spanish with Management, said: “I’m working in Housing Management with the Resident Involvement Team. I’m improving the database of CDHT residents, attending resident consultation meetings and analysing feedback forms to update the Trust’s info. I’m currently unsure which career I would like to go into, however in September this year I will start my year abroad in Spain as a language assistant in a school.” Duncan Gregory, 20, studying Geography with Archaeology, said:

“I am very much enjoying my placement here at CDHT. The people here are really friendly and have helped me settle in quickly. My placement is within Housing Management with David Wrigley, neighbourhood enterprises manager. Recently I have been updating and running the Geographical Information System (G.I.S.). CDHT has installed new software and I have been helping with the consultancy, including constructing a report about what the staff want from the G.I.S. For something a bit different I attended a voluntary day maintaining gardens in Blacon.

The whole experience has been really worthwhile. I have been able to meet the targets here and complete the assignments set by my Work Based Learning tutor for my degree.”

David Wrigley, neighbourhood enterprises manager for CDHT, said:

“It’s been a pleasure working with Duncan and I know that my colleagues are enjoying working with the other students from the University of Chester. I think it’s a great idea; it’s important to have experience of applying your learning in a practical environment. Some of my colleagues and I are actually studying for further qualifications at the University so it’s almost like an exchange programme. We’re learning from each other.”

Ends: 546 words

Notes to editors for more information and photos please visit: <a <a href=”http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/admin/clients/chester-district-housing-trust/articles ”>http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/admin/clients/chester-district-housing-trust/articles Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) was created in November 2000 to acquire the housing stock of Chester District Council and now owns and manages over 6,200 properties in and around Chester, employing 285 staff. The Trust’s homes fall in to six neighbourhoods – Blacon North; Blacon South; Chester City Area; The Rurals; Lache and Handbridge; Upton, Hoole, Newton and Plas Newton. CDHT provides a range of services to tenants and residents in Chester and surrounding areas. These include ChesterCare, a telecare alarm service for CDHT tenants, other association tenants and private customers and the management of the specially designated Community Intervention Budget. This improves facilities and allows changes, which are felt by tenants to be vital to their community. CDHT also manages the housing waiting list and homelessness agency service on behalf of Chester City Council. Current projects for CDHT include the �£12million regeneration of the Treborth Road area of Chester, to include 200 new homes for rent, sale and shared ownership, as well as a village green and wildlife habitats. For more details please visit: www.cdht.net Press Contacts: Phil Brotherhood E: phil@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07884 493370 Jane Harrad-Roberts E: jane@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07785 395705

T: 01244 330000 W: www.marketingprojects.co.uk also www.ziggurat.co.uk

Image Library