Rowley Regis Project Kicks off with Success

Date added: 02/02/2010

The Sandwell Futures (BSF) Project at Rowley Regis has its first break through with MPB ground works contractor who has employed 12 local people on site as Shuttering Carpenters and concreters. With this good news Think Local Construction part of Sandwell Councils Economic Regeneration & Skills Division brings every confidence that the Counci’s ethos of ‘Think Local’ does work.

The Council’s Think Local Construction, employment and training brokerage, will work with the Sandwell Futures Consortium and other Council partners to facilitate many of the training and recruitment opportunities, such as the 145 Apprenticeships to ensure that the Local Area Agreement indicators will be met and that Sandwell people are given the opportunity for new jobs created by the programmes at Rowley Regis and Holly Lodge.

Karen Griffin Construction Liaison Officer for Major Developments said “With success from on site employment opportunities from both Interserve and MPB Civils, we are looking to encourage other sub-contractors to give more opportunities for local people and apprentices”.

Paul Piddock – BSF Programme Director added: “With existing works on these two school programmes, this will definitely make steps towards a brighter future for Sandwell.”

1st Site Group Ltd - Daniel Marshall, Wednesbury Trainee

Date added: 16/12/2009

Having recently undertaken work experience with 1st Site Group and a genuine interest in Electrics. Dan Marshall started with the company as an apprentice Electrician 7 months ago.

Since starting work with the company Dan showed enthusiasm and eagerness towards his training and employment. His excellent communication skills with both customers and clients and outstanding progress helped him achieve his ambition. Which led to Dan being fast tracked through his probation period earlier than anticipated within after 5 months. Being eager and passionate and with a genuine interest Dan also passed his Health & Safety course.

Think Local Construction mentored Dan on site and good feedback was given to both parties by 1st Site Group Ltd. Dan was seen as a model trainee and made the most of the opportunity that was given.

Dan stated “He is enjoying the variety of work provided by 1st Site Group”

Hankinson Painting Group

Date added: 11/12/09

Hankinson Painting Group is a well established commercial painting company based in West Bromwich. The multi-award winning company is one of the UK’s leading Painting and Decorating Contractors on projects for Public and Private sector clients nationwide.

Having been based in West Bromwich for 13 years the company has always recruited locally but this year Chief Executive David Rosser was approached by Think Local Construction and teamed up to explore training and employment opportunities for 16-18 year old apprentices and 19+ trainees.

David Rosser, Chief Executive of Roy Hankinson (West Midlands) Limited " I have always been a supporter of Think Local, I think that all employers should make an effort to recruit from within their local area, after all there is a lot of potentially talented local labour just looking for the right opportunity”

Hankinson’s, undeterred by the challenging economic climate, seized the opportunity to interview several candidates and bring in 6 new operatives from Sandwell to work towards gaining NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Painting and Decorating.


Ed Cox – Sandwell MBC Training & Employment Officer (Think Local)- “credit must go to Hankinson’s for investing in local people despite operating in an industry feeling the pinch of a down turn. In taking on these trainees it is encouraging to see a local company supporting the Sandwell economy and recognising how it adds value to their business”.

The Think Local team worked closely in sourcing and providing suitable candidates. The achievement is made even more significant as 4 successful candidates were from the Think Local 19+ Adult programme, offering the opportunity for clients over the traditional apprentice age to gain recognised qualifications and develop a career in construction. David Rosser was pleased with the calibre of candidates from the outset- “ I have met with all the trainees and I am very pleased with their eagerness to make the right impression. At the interview stage they were asked about their future aspirations and bar none, they had all set their sights high to progress within the Company, I think we have just secured some of our future managers”.

New started Lee from Oldbury added - “being 27 I quickly realised it would be hard to get an apprenticeship, but luckily enough I found Think Local who helped me find this job. I absolutely love it here at Hankinson’s it such a great opportunity for me”.

These operatives are now studying at Future Skills Sandwell and Walsall College respectively. Martyn, Luke, Lee, Ainsley, Rhys and Daniel are starting out on the road to become qualified Painters and Decorators and are encouraged to make the most of their opportunity. Hankinson’s in turn are able to ensure their company are well placed as they look towards 2010 with optimism.

Massive Project Aims To Bring Empty Homes Back Into Use

Date added: 09/11/09

A massive project is being carried out to bring around 1,800 long-term empty homes in Sandwell back into use.

Sandwell Council is working with Urban Living to tackle the problem of empty properties in the Rood End and Uplands areas of Smethwick.

There are around 195 long-term empty homes in the two areas in that phase.

Empty homes can attract vandalism, fly-tipping and other forms of anti-social behaviour as well as reducing the value of the adjoining properties.

Empty properties are also a wasted resource and have the potential to adversely affect local housing markets.

It is now planned to bring the homes in Rood End and The Uplands back into use.

In April this year, Urban Living commissioned the Partnerships and Housing Directorate to deliver the Focused Intervention Project.

The project is being led by the area initiatives team, which is part of Private Sector Housing Services.

Sandwell Council’s Cabinet member for housing and neighbourhoods, Cllr Mahboob Hussain, said “This project will bring to the market properties that have been empty for many years and will create housing opportunities.”

One of the major elements of the project is to buy and improve 14 houses that have been empty for over six months. All of the houses are in need of major works to bring them up to date.

As well as bringing empty properties back into use, the area initiatives team is working in partnership with Think Local Construction (Part of the Economic Regeneration and Skills Division) to generate work experience placements for local people to gain qualifications and skills while working on the renovation project.

All of the building contractors working on this project are being recruited through the unique ‘finditinsandwell’ website set up by the Economic Regeneration and Skills Division and funded by Working Neighbourhood Funds.

Cllr Hussain added: ‘With the downturn in the construction industry suitable training placements are at a premium, this will allow trainees to gain valuable experience and to bridge the gap between education and paid employment.”

The improved houses will be marketed to ensure that key workers and their families working in the Urban Living area are given the opportunity to acquire a high quality, energy efficient and affordable home.

Cllr Hussain said “Although the recession presents challenging times for the housing market, there is still a need and demand for good quality, family sized houses in the borough.”

Building Futures Project

Date added: 22nd October

Think Local Construction has teamed up with Wates Living Space to deliver the Building Futures Project; aimed at helping unemployed residents with barriers back into employment.

The project, which was helped along by Sandwell Homes and the Decent Homes Programme, took place in August and gave a cross-section of people looking for a route back into employment hands-on experience in construction with taster days in bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, and painting and decorating.

Following the project, which took two weeks to complete, participants received certificates in manual handling and First Aid training, which they can include in CVs for job applications in the future.

Participants were taken on site visits to new build projects and refurbishments of council properties, which are being undertaken as part of the Decent Homes Programme, and learnt how to prepare for interviews, as well as developing effective interview techniques by taking part in real interviews with prospective employers.

Trainees from partner organisations also offered advice to participants in talks on the reality of training, wage expectations, and how to navigate the journey to where they are.

Suzanne Allen, senior training employment officer for Sandwell Council, said: “This project has given participants genuine, hands-on experience of what working in the construction industry is really like.

“We hope that the scheme will provide long term benefit to participants and we will be continuing to help them take steps towards getting into full time employment.”

For information on how Think Local Construction can help you please call 0121 569 3309.

Think Local Construction Working in Partnership with T & L Commercial Interior Ltd

Date added: 11/08/2009

T & L Commercial Interior Ltd a Tipton based company, have been in business since July 2008, the company specialises in Maintenance and Refurbishment work in Commercial Properties nationwide.

Having recently won a contract at Aston University in Birmingham they have taken on 5 skilled Painters and Decorators, 2 Tilers and are looking to start a Carpenter this week.

T & L Commercial Interior Ltd is the first company to take on 7 skilled tradespeople by using Think Local Construction since the downturn that has hit many local firms and is hoping the business will now flourish. They are very pro-active in taking on semi-skilled and skilled local people giving them job opportunities. All the tradespeople were pre-screened and identified on skills tailored to the company’s requirements and have been working for a few weeks now with hope the contact will be extended.

Clive Goulding stated, “I am glad I came to Think Local Construction and happy to be working for the T & L Commercial Interior Ltd. It is a faster service”.

Pictured above (in no particular order): Lee Watts and Tom Billingham owners of T & L Commercial Interior Ltd, Chris Easton; Lee Davies; Clive Goulding, Scott Goodgridge and Ramila Patel.

Wates Apprentice of the year for 2009

Date added: 05/08/2009

Local Carpentry apprentice, Mohammed Rais, beats off high competition to be awarded Wates Apprentice of the year for 2009.

Mohammed Rais from Tipton started with Future Skills Sandwell in July 2007, and soon after gained employment with large contractor Wates Living Space.

During his first two years with Wates, Mohammed assisted in the local maintenance of Sandwell Homes properties, which included re-fitting kitchens, hanging new doors as well as boxing in pipes to name a few.

Mohammed being the eager budding carpenter he is had maintained an excellent time keeping and attendance record. He also gained a reputation amongst his colleagues and customers for being polite, reliable and hardworking.

Due to these reasons, when the Apprentice of the year nominations came round, John Atkins, Mohammed’s supervisor had decided to submit Mohammed for the running.
With no surprise, Mohammed won the accolade and modestly took his award.

Mohammed stated “I am very happy wining the award, and really did not expect it.”

John Atkins commented “Mohammed is always willing to help with any jobs given, he is very polite and courteous to all customers and I feel very confident that Mohammed has a good future ahead in carpentry.”

Mel Littler, Mohammed’s Site Manager stated “Mohammed has done brilliantly, and it’s down to him listening and taking a lot of interest in the work”. “Mohammed is a model apprentice.”

Mohammed has since completed his NVQ Level 2 in carpentry and is continuing down his carpentry career path with Wates.

Raising construction awareness at RSA Tipton Academy

Date added: 26th June 20

Think Local Construction and Future Skills Sandwell team up to support Wilmot Dixon in raising awareness of the construction industry at the RSA Tipton academy. The afternoon began with short briefs on staff development and the ideas of wide range of employment opportunities within the construction industry in this profession.

The children that took part in the activities showed understanding and interest in the subject. It was good to see young people enjoying the work that was introduced. The new academy building is under construction by Willmot Dixon at the back of the school; the children have observed this and have taken an interest in its development. The children had participated in workshops with Willmot Dixon, in line with the development and activities of the site.

On the day SMBC provided the net bus, this bus contains eight computers for the pupils to use. The computers contained the CSCS Health and safety test and internet access. They learnt about different skills that construction requires, of different jobs such as architecture, design, HR, sales etc. The children were also shown illustrations of buildings that Willmott Dixon had constructed illustrating the wide range of developments undergone. Overall the day to the school was very enjoyable and very successful. It assisted in creating a pathway for these children to consider construction and the diverse range of employment and training opportunities to consider in their career choices.

Think Local Construction Team

Date added: 11/06/2009

Paul Smith –Coordinator – Oversees management to all Think Local Construction Job Brokerage and Training Services.

Karen Griffin – Employment Liaison Officer - Engages with all Major Developments throughout Contractual Agreements to ensure that ‘Community Benefits’ help local residents into employment and training. Ensure that Equality & Diversity is met within the residential areas under the Council’s Economy, Employment and Skills Policy.

Colin Bell – Employment Liaison Officer – Engaging with companies thought out the Black Country and surrounding areas. Assisting with Job vacancies tailored to the companies needs.

Ramila Patel – Employment Officer – Supports the ‘free’ Job Brokerage Recruitment service by assisting skilled and semi-skilled trades’ people into permanent or temporary jobs. Liaise with construction companies; provided advice and guidance to employers and clients.

David Mould – Employment Administer - Provide administration support to the Job Brokerage Service and team. Pre-screen on behalf of companies.

Suzanne Allen – Senior Employment Training Officer - Supports the NVQ L2 Apprenticeship programme. Engages with employers and provides support to trainees in work based learning. Oversees the training & mentoring support service to ensure a seamless provision with people into training programmes.

Kam Chumber –Training and Employment Liaison Officer – Engaging with companies to assist trainees obtain employment. Also providing mentoring support, Advice and Guidance to apprentices within the NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship programme.

Edward Cox – Employment Training Officer – Supporting the 19+ programme. Assisting applicants to complete and re-train for Construction jobs. Proving pre-employment training such as CSCS and basic non accredited training as well as providing mentoring support to help people into jobs in the industry. Training advice on NVQ L2 through Train 2 Gain in a variety of trades.

Young People on a Sandwell Skills and Job-Seeking Scheme Praised

Date added: 08/06/09

Young people on a Sandwell skills and job-seeking scheme have been praised for their work on the refurbishment of bungalows on a West Bromwich estate.

The youngsters from the Future Skills scheme run by Sandwell Council worked with Riverside and private company Mansell Construction Services Ltd to do the work in the Hill top area.

The apprentice painters and decorators, aged 16-19-year olds, from the work-based learning provider Future Skills Sandwell are working towards NVQL2. They carried out the work, which will help them achieve units towards qualification.

The youngsters are unemployed due to the current economic climate and were willing to showcase their skills in real work opportunities for potential employment.

Think Local Construction, part of Economic Regeneration & Skills Division joined with the contractor Mansell to look at opportunities for work-based experience for Riverside, as part of a PFI project.

Riverside assistant director Paul Jones said "Residents in Conway Avenue agreed that the apprentices did a great job on the bungalows.

"We asked the trainees to return to complete the schedule of works and the young people seized the opportunity."

Mansell Construction Services Ltd provided the paint, equipment, PPE, health and safety induction, whilst Future Skills supervised the scope of works.

Councillor Ann Shackleton, cabinet member for employment, skills and partnership on Sandwell Council said: "These lads have put so much hard work into painting the bungalows, all they need now is an employer to give them an opportunity to put their skills into practice."
If anyone can offer apprentices any employment opportunities please contact Think Local Construction 0121 569 2099.

Local Apprentice Gains His Own Employment.

Date added: 04/06/09

Local apprentice Matt Millership defeats all odds by gaining his own employment by putting his job search skills to use!

Matt, from Rowley Regis, was made redundant last September due to the economic downturn. Matt found the redundancy a difficult time, as he had to start attending college full-time again, and was not getting a regular income. He then started attending Job Search Sessions with Think Local Construction, consisting of what to say when calling employers, how to sell his strengths, and getting him to send copies of CV’s to employers, to name a few.
After months of gruelling job searching and rejection from employers, Matt gained employment with SG Carpentry in April; he used his job searching skills and placed an advert in the paper to promote his capabilities.

Simon Gough, Matt’s new employer commented “I was impressed with Matt’s initiative and thought he was worth speaking to”.

Matt stated “I am very pleased to finally get work and to start earning a regular income again, the hard effort I put into looking for a job, paid off in the end”

Matt has now started collecting evidence and feels his confidence has grown, and is back on track in gaining his NVQ level 2 in Carpentry.

Sandwell Homes takes on Apprentices

Date added: 13 May 2009

Sandwell Homes takes on Apprentices as part of the Government’s Agenda to provide young people with training and employment for the next 2 years.

This is an extension to the Construction Skills Apprentices who joined Sandwell Homes in September 2008.

There are 3 Community Care Apprentices who will study the Certificate in Supported Housing at Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham, and 4 Admin Apprentices who will work towards their NVQ level 2 in Business Admin Studies at the Ron Davis in Smethwick.

Suzanne Allen, Senior Training and Employment Co-ordinator, commented, “It’s a great opportunity to extend the Apprenticeship Programme into a range of areas as it gives young people the chance to enter a career of their choice across a range of disciplines with Sandwell Homes. Our newest area is community care and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the first programme.”

Suzanne works for the Economic Regeneration Skills Division, within Think Local Construction in partnership with Future Skills Sandwell delivering training and employment to Sandwell Homes and a number of private sector companies within the West Midlands giving the opportunity to young people to obtain Apprenticeship placements.

For more information about apprenticeships contact Suzanne Allen on 0121 569 2099 or check the website:

http://www.thinklocalconstruction.co.uk/apprenticeschemes-client.php

It’s a golden opportunity for young people to Learn while they earn.