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:

The Herald

SFHA Housing News Article

Perthshire Advertiser

WHO IS IT FOR?

Any young person in Perth who wants to gain practical skills and experience, to enable them to get a foot on the employment ladder.

WHAT DOES THE TOOLKIT PROJECT OFFER?

• Up to 6 months on site training
• A wage
• Tool kit
• All necessary protective clothing • Health & safety training

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS

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.

Toolkit is different because:

• Toolkit is a project that doesn't look like a project
• Toolkit looks, feels and pays like a job & not a scheme or college course
• Toolkit tackles head on the real employability problems faced by youngsters turned off by education
• Toolkit genuinely closes the opportunity gap in a way that feels real

Jimmy Shepherd, Project Co-ordinator

Toolkit Successes

The Toolkit Project placed its first batch of trainees with contractors in June 2006, and since then, 17 young lads have successfully completed their 6 month placement. 16 trainees are now in full time employment or apprenticeships, either with their original placement provider or another local contractor. One other has taken up a place at the local college. A further 7 trainees are in current placements with various local Perth contractors. Even after a few short months' work experience, employment opportunities for 16 & 18 year olds are greatly increased.

A wide range of local contractors have taken on a trainee:
• McLeod Glaziers
• Fraser Gibson Painters, Perth
• Meldrum Joiners, Perth
• Chas Stewart, Plumbers, Perth
• Brian Tavendale Electrical, Perth
• MacKay Decorators
• Meddicks Blacksmith
• David Fleming Joiner
• Martin Glen Painter & Decorator
• Agri-Fab Engineering, Auchterarder
• Clachan Construction
• A.J. Stephen

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

Toolkit Trainees

Jordan Townsley at Clachan Construction

16 year old Jordan has been working on the Co-operative’s new development site at Angus Court along with tradesmen from Clachan Construction. Jordan has settled in well and become part of the team, helping out with joinery work, laying slabs, mono-blocking and general... more

Dean Mailer at Fairfield Housing Co-operative

Dean has been working alongside Co-op Caretakers Dave, Jamie & Marc with the upkeep of the estate since August. Our photo shows Dean with Dave Bruscaglia...more

Andrew & Brian

Andrew is 16 and left Perth High School in May 2006. He started his work placement with Brian Tavendale Electrical, a local self-employed electrician, in June. Brian and Andrew now spend 5 days a week travelling around Perth, undertaking all manner of domestic electrical... more

Rory & Mick

Rory is 16 and left Perth High School in May 2006 and started his work placement with McLeod Glaziers, a small Perth glazing firm, in June 2006. He spends most of his time with Mick, an experienced window technician. Rory said, "It's been good, more than I expected. It's more complicated than... more

Steven & Stevie

Steven Devlin was one of the first batch of trainees and started with local plumbers Chas Stewart, in June 2006. His mentor Stevie Smith was really pleased with Steven, so much so that he was taken on as a full time apprentice. Steven is still there and doing... more

Ryan Williamson at Fairfield Housing Co-operative

Ryan Williamson who is working alongside Fairfield Housing Co-operative's resident caretakers, Jamie, Dave & Marc. Ryan is 17 and has been at his placement since May and says that he is enjoying what he is doing. One of Ryan's favourite tasks is grass cutting where... more

Dean Rendall at Clachan Construction

Dean Rendall is pictured alongside Clachan Construction site agent Bobby Bethune. Dean who is 16, is working at Fairfield's the new housing development at Menzies Court. Dean has only been at his placement since 2nd July but already is able to use the fixing drill to fit back plasterboard... more

Chris Law at A.J. Stephen

16 year old Chris Law is working with A J Stephen house builders in Perth. Chris started his placement in June this year and after completing his six months placement, was offered an apprenticeship as a bench-hand joiner. Chris is pictured in the photograph along with Ronnie Sutherland, Contracts... more