Multi-skilling delivers one-stop service
Plastering, plumbing, tiling and joinery are among the courses on offer as part of free multi-skill training for colleagues at Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT).
More than 20 trades are being coached in CDHT’s purpose built training centre at the Octavian Centre, off Sealand Road, with CDHT maintenance technicians receiving training up to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2.
CDHT are working in partnership with training provider Skills Solutions to provide an even better one-stop shop for customers. CDHT will use their links with Skills Solutions to deliver other training needs through the Workability Plus Scheme and for Neighbourhood Enterprise, Skills, Training and Support (NESTS) candidates.
CDHT Maintenance Technician Claire Johnson, has been working for CDHT for a year and a half and was recruited as an improver Joiner through the Workability Plus Scheme. Claire, 42 from Ellesmere Port, who specialises in carpentry and joinery and is currently working on the kitchen refurbishment programme, said:
“Multi-skilling is the way forward and makes more sense. I am self taught with no qualifications, so having an NVQ is great for my career. The course was really good and helped me develop my plastering skills. Anyone who hadn’t done plastering before would find it really helpful. I think CDHT is brilliant. There aren’t many firms out there who would give women a chance, there really isn’t. CDHT has given me opportunities. I’m made up that CDHT gave me a chance.”
John Beatty, CDHT Maintenance Technician, has completed a bricklaying, plastering and joinery NVQ. John, 62, who has been working for CDHT for six years, added:
“This NVQ is good because it gives us more scope and makes my job more varied. I have been fitting composite doors for three years, but now can use my new found skills.”
Phil Jones, Director of Property Services at CDHT, explains:
“All Technicians have an ‘on site’ skills audit carried out by Skills Solutions. A matrix is then drawn up where training is provided on a priority basis ensuring that customers receive the benefit as soon as possible. It really is a great scheme as the Technicians concerned not only learn new skills to add to their existing ones but they also get formal recognition for the new skills too. The next phase will involve the training of up to 12 local residents through a mix of initiatives to include Workability Plus and also if we are successful with a grant bid for the ‘future jobs fund’ this has the potential to provide up to 44 new employment/training opportunities for local residents.”
CDHT was the first employer to engage with the Workability Plus project which aims to establish sustainable job opportunities and develop skills.
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Notes to Editors:
The Workability Plus scheme, funded by the European Social Fund via the Learning and Skills Council, offers a variety of opportunities for Cheshire West residents wishing to move back into employment, including short courses, one-to-one support and placements.
The NESTS initiative helps participants into work by providing hands-on training and a nationally recognised qualification. NESTS is a social enterprise initiative that works within CDHT to offer unemployed people skills in maintenance and construction.
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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 275 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 community alarm service for CDHT tenants, other association tenants and private customers and also the specially designated Community Intervention Budget. This improves facilities and allows changes which are felt buy 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
For more information on Skills Solutions please visit www.skills-solutions.org.uk
CDHT Press Contact: Phil Brotherhood
E: phil@marketingprojects.co.uk
M: 07884 493370
T: 01244 330000 W:
www.marketingprojects.co.uk
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