A new training and employment scheme aimed at supporting people back into the workplace has successfully delivered its 100^th placement opportunity. 

The ground breaking targeted recruitment and training scheme (TR & T) is being delivered by the  Integrate consortium. It aims to lever employment and training opportunities from planned development contracts and support local people back into work. 

The Integrate members negotiate with building and maintenance contractors to deliver as much added value as possible from a contract. This added value is described as a social inclusion clause and has resulted in the generation of over 100 placement opportunities for local people seeking training and employment. These social inclusion clauses are used as standard within all Integrate contracts ensuring maximum benefit to the local community. 

Whilst on work placement the trainees are able to acquire qualifications and employment relevant to their trade. These opportunities are also linked with other partner organisations who offer mentoring and coaching support as part of an ongoing commitment to support people back into sustainable employment. 

Daniel Connelly, aged 23 from Cardiff was recruited by Westwards Energy in August. Daniel has always wanted to take up a gas / plumbing apprenticeship since he watched the boiler being serviced in his parents’ home when he was at primary school. Upon hearing the news that he had been selected for the scheme Daniel said: “I can’t believe this has happened at last, I’m overjoyed. If this opportunity hadn’t come along it may have been too late for me. I’ve been able to learn many new skills and the whole experience so far has been fantastic.”  

Michelle Smith, Project Manager with Integrate said: “This project provides real opportunities to get people trained and back into work. Our contractors and partners have been very supportive of what we are trying to achieve and on the whole every trainee has grasped the opportunity with both hands. We now view these social inclusion clauses as a core requirement within our contracts and hope to help many more people in the future. So far the scheme has been able to demonstrate best practice and innovation, as well as making a real difference to people’s lives.”