The new initiative, called Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) is funded by the Working Neighbourhoods Fund, through Be Birmingham, and will allow us to host part-time paid placements for six months.
Of the 22 people already on our ILM programme, four people are our tenants.
We are providing each individual with training as they work and providing coaching and support to help them develop their skills and confidence, and find future employment.
The positions range from functions in the maintenance and gardening teams, to working in customer services, community investment and housing assistant roles.
Forty-seven-year-old Joseph Fuller is a Family Housing tenant and had been unemployed for two-and-a-half years before he gained an ILM placement as a gardener.
“This has helped me to get back into employment and should help open up new opportunities for me. I would like to get a full-time position or even set up my own business as a gardener.
“This scheme is really useful as I have been looking for work for over two years. I would encourage anyone to take an opportunity like this one because it is much better than being unemployed and may help you get the opportunity you have been looking for,” said Joseph.
Mum-of-three Chantelle Clarke had not been in employment and was a stay at home mum before she gained an ILM placement working in the Service 1st team providing customer service and administration support.
“I have already grown in confidence. Before I was really worried about going into new situations but I feel like I know what I am doing and I am absolutely loving it.
“I have developed skills which are helping in other parts of my life such as being on time and being more organised. It has also given me more independence and choices, and has enabled me to be a positive role model for my children.”
For more information about ILM please contact Family Housing’s employment development officer Clare O’Driscoll on 0121 766 1100.