Family Housing Association, based in Digbeth and managing 2100 properties in inner city areas, is providing a unique training experience to women who are looking for a new career move. Women from all over Birmingham are receiving on the job experience and the opportunity to train for a new career in an area of work they may not have previously considered.  

Participants will be working alongside skilled tradesmen who are responsible for carrying out a wide range of repair and maintenance work including plastering, painting and decorating, plumbing and tiling. Such trades have failed to attract many female applicants in the past and this initiative aims to address this by giving unemployed women a chance to develop a wide range of skills.  

The women will receive support to help them get a place on a relevant training course, if they wish to continue, through which they can gain the necessary qualifications and certificates. Some trainees may also be offered a full or part-time job with the Family Housing Association, which is actively seeking to recruit new workers for its direct labour team.  

The project will directly benefit Family Housing, which is seeking to widen its team of direct labour workers in Birmingham.  

Women can choose to take part in the 3 month project on a paid or unpaid basis and this is agreed with them individually, taking into account their personal circumstances. By September, it is hoped that the majority of the women will either be offered a job or have a chance to take their skills development to the next stage by training for a relevant NVQ Level 2 at a local further education college.

For further information please contact  Manny Jaspal