Welcome to Fairfield Housing, Perth Scotland
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The basic formula is that we, Fairfield Housing Co-operative, contact local companies to recruit young people to work with their tradesmen. Their tradesmen then take on the role of journeyman-mentors for the duration of the contract. The result is that the trainees experience a positive introduction to the realities of work that will, hopefully lead to secure employment.
We are initially focusing on the construction, building and environmental trades, as this is the kind of work the trainees want to do. We are offering them real work for decent wages working alongside mature tradesmen with something to teach them about trades and the culture of work.
Read the review of the project in:
Any young person in Perth who wants to gain practical skills and experience, to enable them to get a foot on the employment ladder.
The youngsters we take on are officially classed as Trainees. They are interviewed, selected and inducted in the same way any new employee would be.
The period of the work placement is currently 26 weeks. Time keeping, attitude, initiative and reliability are central to their experience and form a core part of their assessment.
If the trainees rise to the challenge, they may move on to a modern apprenticeship scheme, or if none are available or suitable, they will undertake intensive job search and leave with a reference that counts for something with future employers.
Trainees receive £95.00 per week for full 35 hours worked. This is made up of £55 Training Allowance and £1.00 per hour Work Placement Contribution. Travel Expenses are also paid.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Working closely with local businesses in Perth, Perth College, Careers Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, the project benefits youngsters in Perth and can close the opportunities gap for those who have found it difficult to find appropriate career paths.
The Toolkit Project placed its first batch of trainees with contractors in June 2006, and since then, 27 young lads have successfully completed their 6 month placement. 28 trainees are now in full time employment or apprenticeships, either with their original placement provider or another local contractor. Two others have taken up a place at the local college. A further 3 trainees are in current placements with various local Perth contractors. Even after a few short months' work experience through the Toolkit Project, employment opportunities for 16 to 18 year olds are greatly increased.
A wide range of local contractors have taken on a trainee:
The project wouldn't have got off the ground without these contractors' support and faith in the project, and we can't thank them enough.
The project wouldn't have been set up without the help of Sandy Campbell. Sandy is an organisational consultant with over 15 years' community regeneration experience, and founder of the method which has been replicated in a number of projects across Scotland. www.workingrite.co.uk
Registered Office: Fairfield Housing Co-operative. 5 Fairfield Avenue, Perth PH1 2TF
Registered as a Social Landlord no HA 129. Member of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Employers in Voluntary Housing.
Copyright 2010. Fairfield Housing. All rights reserved.
