Press Releases

November 03 2008

Four more step on training ladder to success

Four new recruits have joined a pioneering training scheme run by the urban regeneration company New East Manchester.

They have started work as Regeneration Assistants and follow 13 other local residents through the training scheme who have gone on to interesting careers in regeneration.

Former recruits have gone on to responsible jobs with Manchester City Council, other councils and partner organisations.  One of them went to work for local housing company Eastlands Homes but is now moving on to a new job in resort administration at Santa’s Lapland in northern Finland.

The training scheme won the top award in the training category of the first Regeneration and Renewal Awards last year.

The new recruits are Amelia Edwards, Tom Ward, John Ward and Gemma Cahill.

· Amelia Edwards (24) lives in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. She has worked for Loot and Sainsbury's but wanted to fulfil her ambition of working in the field of regeneration.  This opportunity has given her the chance to develop skills and knowledge that will stand her in good stead for many years to come.

· Tom Ward (40) lives in Gorton and has always lived in east Manchester.  He spent the last 15 years working in the construction industry.  Tom is passionate about regeneration and has an interest in raising young people’s aspirations. For the last three years he has coached Clayton Villa Juniors FC.

· John Ward (19) was born in Montreal, Canada, and moved to Gorton when his parents returned there when he was eight. He attended Wright Robinson High School and has worked part-time in a local newsagent’s, in a call centre and in a Beswick pub. John has been interested in regeneration for some time and would like to make his career in the profession.

· Gemma Cahill (21) lives in the Castlefield area of Manchester. She is originally from Colne but has lived in Manchester for three and half years.  She enjoys sports and activities as well as living in the city and being part of the regeneration of east Manchester.

All four are currently on their first placement with the Environmental Programme, working on a project on investment in the Ashton Canal Corridor.

All four Regeneration Assistants are undertaking the Access to Higher Education course ‘Working in the Community’ and will progress to the Foundation Degree in ‘Neighbourhood Renewal’.

Since starting the scheme in 2005, New East Manchester has recruited 17 people to this unique initiative that helps local people access jobs in regeneration. The project provides a structured, accredited training programme combined with work experience to gain skills, practical knowledge and relevant qualifications.

Sean McGonigle, New East Manchester’s Director of Regeneration responsible for the scheme, said: “This programme was the first of its kind in the country and has proved to be a great way to start a career in regeneration. There are many forms of apprenticeship across the UK but this is the first time it’s been applied to regeneration.

“The Regeneration Assistants have brought a new perspective to community-led regeneration. Being local people has helped them engage with other members of the community and foster greater trust through shared experiences.

“All the Assistants have built their own self-esteem, confidence and capacity to develop a long-term career in regeneration and the scheme has raised the aspirations of local people, who can now see a progression route into regeneration careers.”

Damien Bourke, Policy and Partnerships Manager for the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “The huge amount of regeneration activity taking place across east Manchester is creating lots of new opportunities for local people. The Regeneration Assistants training scheme enables local people to gain valuable experience in the regeneration sector and develop new career opportunities in the industry.  It is proving a real success and the NWDA is pleased to provide its support.”

Initial funding for the training scheme came from New Deal for Communities and the NWDA. Now partner organisations involved and providing placement opportunities include Northwards Housing, Work Solutions, the Manchester Salford Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Sure Start and Eastlands Homes.

• A RENEW Northwest Practice Paper Learning the Trade gives more information on how the programme gives local residents a route to jobs and skills.