A Birmingham Housing Association celebrated receiving two awards at the Building Essential Skills for Construction Trades (BEST) Awards 2005. The awards, which were held around National Construction Week, were a positive sign that more and more people are gaining successful careers in construction and the ceremony marks the achievement of businesses providing a future for the local unemployed.

Earlier this year Family Housing Association (Birmingham) Ltd recruited four new members of staff for it’s maintenance division, which included Lawrence Porter, at the age of 17, and Teresa Craythorne, Family’s first ever female trainee.  The four new recruits were appointed through Dorcas Housing & Community Support Association, who continue to provide mentor support to the employees as part of their overall development in the organisation.

Due to Family’s success in providing these employees with a future career and helping bridge the skills gap in the construction industry they were presented with an award for “Employer of the Year 2005”. In addition, Lawrence Porter was awarded “Learner of the Year” due to his commitment and positive contribution to his work.

Tim Sewell, Family Housing Chief Executive, said “ We are extremely delighted to receive this award and very pleased to see Lawrence has been recognised for all his hard work.  Family is continually looking at employment opportunities and working in partnership with Dorcas has proved to be a great success.”

Gary Clarke, Director of Dorcas, comments “This initiative and joint working relationship fostered between Dorcas and Family is an excellent example of how organisations can work together to meet the needs and aspirations of local people as well as the practical requirements of organisations.  This demonstrates a real commitment to assist members of BME communities and women to enter into areas of the workforce in which they are currently under represented.”

PIC: BEST Award
Pic caption: from left Gary Clarke, Director of Dorcas, Lawrence Porter, Junior Void Operative, FHA, Waseem Butt, Head of Housing Services, FHA