35 people from Chelmsley Wood have recently landed jobs with Amey, thanks to a community employment scheme being delivered by The Colebridge Trust, Solihull's Community Development Trust and registered charity.
With a combination of funding from the European Social Fund, West Midlands Combined Authority and smaller grants, Colebridge's coaches provide local jobseekers tailored employment advice, training and specialist support for any additional barriers. This work is being delivered from within the community, including at Junction in North Solihull, a community centre located in Fordbridge.
Initial training has been delivered and the new recruits are either helping to carry out local household bin collections or maintaining green public spaces, such as the many parks, roundabouts and verges, across Solihull Borough.
Amey were involved in the programme last year and has recently extended the contracts of 15 members of staff who successfully secured positions during that intake.
Wayne Rowley, Amey Operations Manager for Transport Infrastructure in Solihull, said: “We’ve been thrilled to be working with the Colebridge Trust, welcoming 35 recruits to Amey this year. The quality of the candidates we receive through the training programme has always been very high and this year is no exception. 15 of our recruits from last year have recently had their contracts extended which is a fantastic achievement. We’re really proud to have them as part of our team.”
Serena Sale, Employment & Skills Manager at The Colebridge Trust has praised the close working relationship with Amey emphasising; “Many local people need access to local jobs, and we need more employers to engage with local employment projects. There are lots of barriers to securing work, including health and wellbeing needs, and our support goes well beyond structuring a CV. In addition to those that have secured employment, thanks to Amey, there will be a number of people who will have benefitted from the workshops and interview practice too."
Amey is committed to transforming local communities and their collaboration with Solihull Borough Council is one of their key priorities. Working in collaboration with local charities such as The Colebridge Trust, Amey is able to give back by opening doors to education and improving the skills of the people in its communities - delivering positive and lasting change to communities that’s built on a foundation of trust.
Dani Kilpatrick who recently secured a position at Amey, said: “I came through the Trust and started with Amey in March 2019. By the end of the summer season they had several full times jobs available, so I applied for one. I was pleasantly surprised when I was offered a full-time contract in the January 2020. I have been working on the Solihull waste contract since I started and fully enjoy my work.”
This programme is ensuring that the West Midlands has the skills base it needs to increase overall employment and productivity, drive growth in key sectors, and achieve its wider economic and social priorities for the region. Following the challenges of COVID-19, providing local communities with local employment is even more important to stimulate economic growth.
To find out more about Colebridge Trust employment and skills support in North Solihull, please call 0121 448 0720 (option 1) to speak to a member of the team or email jobs@colebridge.org.
To find out more about Amey vacancies go to https://www.amey.co.uk/your-career/