After 2 years of job searching, 21 year old Shemell Brown is one of several trainees who snapped up the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience which has now led her into full time employment.

The work experience placements are being offered by Family Housing Association (Birmingham) Ltd in conjunction with Pertemps People Development Group and provide a number of skills ranging from administration through to painting and decorating. After long term unemployment, Pertemps referred Shemell to Family Housing in August through their New Deal Programme and she has now been given a six month contract within their Regeneration Team as Administration Trainee.

Shemell said ‘I’ve really enjoyed my work experience at Family Housing. After I got my NVQ in Business Administration I was really stuck in finding work but this placement has given me the opportunity to learn a number of new skills which I’d never done before and I feel a lot more confident in myself. Family Housing also has a really good working environment where everyone’s been very friendly and helpful, so I’d definitely love to work for them on a permanent basis in the future.’

Since Pertemps seconded Manny Jaspal to Family Housing in September, seven trainees have all been provided with work placements throughout the Association and a job fair was held in mid November providing further job opportunities outwith the organisation. This is one of several Employment and Training Initiatives currently being developed by Family as part of the Association’s vision to become an organisational Training Academy which provides a range of opportunities to people seeking employment.