Good grounding in workplace skills
An innovative groundwork project is giving young jobseekers the chance to learn workplace skills while helping the community.
Plains Farm & Humbledon Community Initiative has just contracted with ETEC Construction to provide an accessible garden in the grounds of Plains Farm Primary School, Sunderland.
The Project, which is funded by Sunderland Teaching and Primary Care Trust’s Healthy Cities Fund, is designed to attract residents of all ages and to encourage them to learn more about growing their own vegetables and plants with a view to selling them locally.
It is possible that some of the produce may be supplied free of charge to senior citizens on the Plains Farm and Humbledon estates.
The lay-out, which will include raised beds and improved access, will mean people with disabilities - as well as staff and children at Plains Farm Primary School- can use the facility.
Work on the garden will mean Future Jobs Fund (FJF) participants from ETEC Construction will gain practical work experience in a community setting.
The candidates, who are all paid by ETEC while on the six-month programme, will also gain vocational qualifications recognised in the work place.
The five FJF candidates have already gained training in manual handling and working at heights.
Workers will also be in line for a number of other vocational training courses including use of abrasive wheels, CSCS card training and asbestos awareness.
Neil Gibbon, ETEC Construction’s Manager, said: “Candidates will gain a lot of valuable experience in undertaking groundworks while completing the contract.
“There is also the possibility of further work in grounds’ maintenance after the initial six month contract.”
Candidates will be using paints and tools supplied by ETEC’s Paint and Tool Bank, which aims to help residents to refurbish their own homes at minimal cost.
Plains Farm & Humbledon Residents Association, in partnership with HOME Housing and Plains Farm Primary School, undertook a project to renovate a school wall, in Premier Road, last year.
Ray Mowbray, Project Officer at Plains Farm & Humbledon Community Initiative, said: “A recommendation from a resident led us to contact ETEC.
“They came along with a group of youngsters and carried out the work to a very high standard.
“As a result of this previous endeavour, we had no hesitation in contacting ETEC for this current project. We are confident that they will again rise to the challenge.”