Member Article

Derwentside Homes project workers gain prosperous careers

Two unemployed men have gained prosperous careers, thanks to a scheme run by a housing association in County Durham.

SHED, a scheme set up by housing provider, Derwentside Homes to support unemployed people back into work has had another success story with two project workers accessing full time employment, boosting their career prospects.

Dan Gill, 25 and David Williams, 29 both from Consett, joined Social Housing Enterprise Durham (SHED) as Project Workers on six month contracts but they were quickly recruited by Lamplas Polymer Engineering in Consett.

Lamplas is one of the largest glass fibre composite and solid surface moulders in the UK. They produce parts for the leisure industry bathrooms, electric vehicles and static holiday vans. After six months, SHED contacted Lamplas Polymer Engineering about the possibility of some vacancies within their company.

Phillip Curran, Business Development Manager at Derwentside Homes, said: “Working with local employers supports our ethos of getting local people back into sustainable employment.

“This has proven that given the chance, employers are keen to make jobs available and help get people into work.

“SHED is a vehicle to give people the opportunity to learn more skills and getting that break they require by supporting the transition back in work and training.

“Seeking out employers and supporting individuals in their future career prospects is a vital process. Without the support of local employers we would not be able to achieve this success.”

Joe O’Brien, Director of Lamplas Polymer Engineering, said: “We look to recruit local people with a good work ethic.

“Working with SHED is a win win situation for us. We have a trusted partnership and with this approach we can support our local economy and the community as a whole.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Craig Downs .