Latest News
Action Trust’s gets to work
15/02/2012
To read the full story please click on the link to download the PDF file. Click here.
For more information please visit the Action Trust website at www.actiontrust.co.uk.
Action Trust’s first recruit secures on-going employment
10/01/2012
Joe Cassie, a young ex-offender, has successfully gained on-going employment at a Leicester based engineering company with the support of Action Trust. The aim of Action Trust is to give ex-offenders, those affected by homelessness and armed forces veterans training and employment opportunities through the Action Trust social enterprises. The objective is to give recruits the confidence and skills to move into more permanent employment in their chosen field. Joe’s move to on-going employment is a great success, and proves that the Action business model works.
Action Trust is an innovative collaboration between Action Homeless Leicester, HMYOI Glen Parva, The TREES Group and Apex Works; delivering a range of services to customers throughout Leicestershire. The Action social enterprises currently include – Action Clean, Action Garden, Action Paint and Action Fix and build upon the skills and training offered to people in prison. To date, Action Trust has provided work experience to 13 people and provided employment for eight people from both the ex-offending and homeless backgrounds.
Joe Cassie spent two months volunteering with Action Trust where he demonstrated his commitment to the organisation. Joe was then employed by Action Trust for six months and has worked across the Action businesses. Joe said “As soon as I entered Glen Parva I knew I didn’t want to go back there when I was released, I really wanted to turn my life around. Action Trust has given me a real opportunity to gain employability skills, a reason to get-up in the morning and a chance to earn some money. Action Trust gave me the confidence and discipline to work; I am thrilled that I have now secured on-going employment with a local engineering company”.
Latest figures show that it costs an average of £45,000 per year to keep someone in prison and up to £31,000 per year to keep someone in a homeless shelter. Action Trust actually gives disadvantaged people skills for life to help break the cycles of homelessness and offending which in turn helps to make real savings to the public purse.
Positive procurement changes lives, by making a decision to buy quality and competitively priced services from Action Trust you can support us in transforming the lives of ex-offenders, homeless people and armed forces veterans. For more information please visit the Action Trust website at www.actiontrust.co.uk.
Giovanni Excels at Young Builder of the Year Awards
13/10/2011
Giovanni Damiani who was bullied at school fell into the wrong crowd, and then left before gaining any qualifications has scooped a top construction award.
Giovanni has been named ‘Young Builder of the Year’ in the 14 to 16 year old category. The Youthbuild UK awards celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work for the construction industry. His training manager at Windermere Construction Skills Centre reflects that Giovanni has shown the greatest shift change of any of the hundreds of young people who have attended the centre; he is a dedicated and motivated trainee.
The awards ceremony took place at the House of Commons yesterday where Giovanni was presented with a trophy, framed certificate, cheque for £250 and a tool bag with tools provided by Northern Tool + Equipment. Tommy Walsh, best known for his role in the BBC’s popular gardening show, Ground Force, helped present the awards.
The President of YouthBuild UK, The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford said, “The Youthbuild UK Awards are always an inspirational occasion, and this year was no exception. We come together to celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome a series of adversities to make a successful start to a career in construction. I applaud the courage, determination and commitment displayed by all the finalists and congratulate Giovanni Damiani on his success in winning the Title Young builder of the Year 2011.”
The Young Builder of the Year awards have successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. This year’s high- profile judging panel was Stephen Ratcliffe Director of the UK Contractors Group, Imtiaz Farookhi Chief Executive of National House-Building Council, Judy Lowe Deputy Chairman of CITB-ConstructionSkills and Alasdair Reisner Director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association.
Imtiaz Farookhi, Chief Executive of long-term event sponsors and judging organisation NHBC, said: “NHBC reinvests profits in the public interest, as it has done for the last 75 years, and I can think of few better causes to support than Youthbuild. Every year I am moved and inspired by the individual stories of those recognised at these Awards, which provide disadvantaged young people with a bridge into the industry, developing vital skills within a supportive environment that will help secure the post-recession future of the building sector.”
The other sponsors of the awards were Skanska, Northern Tool + Equipment, Places for People, Notting Hill Housing and the EDF Energy London Eye.
Further details on the Awards can be found at www.ybuk.org. Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page.
Shane Wins Young Builder of the Year Award
13/10/2011
Shane Dean Evans has been named as the 2011 Young Builder of the Year. The awards celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work for the construction industry. Shane who was announced the overall winner in the 16 to 24 year-old category suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. Despite having this serious medical condition, he has excelled in his vocational education and has demonstrated sheer determination to succeed as a qualified joiner and have a real impact in his workplace.
The awards ceremony took place at the House of Commons yesterday where Shane was presented with a trophy, framed certificate, cheque for £500 and a tools voucher from Northern Tool + Equipment for £1,500. Tommy Walsh, best known for his role in the BBC’s popular gardening show, Ground Force, helped present the awards.
Shane said “I have had to work twice, maybe three times as hard to keep up and keep ahead due to hospital stays of two weeks at a time, and constant hospital appointments, but I have never let my illness get in the way of my ambition. I didn’t expect to win; even reaching final was an achievement”
The President of YouthBuild UK, The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford said, “The Youthbuild UK Awards are always an inspirational occasion, and this year was no exception. We come together to celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome a series of adversities to make a successful start to a career in construction. I applaud the courage, determination and commitment displayed by all the finalists and congratulate Shane Dean Evans on his success in winning the Title Young builder of the Year 2011.”
The Young Builder of the Year awards have successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. This year’s high- profile judging panel was Stephen Ratcliffe Director of the UK Contractors Group, Imtiaz Farookhi Chief Executive of National House-Building Council (NHBC), Judy Lowe Deputy Chairman of CITB-ConstructionSkills and Alasdair Reisner Director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association.
Imtiaz Farookhi, Chief Executive of long-term event sponsors and judging organisation NHBC, said: “NHBC reinvests profits in the public interest, as it has done for the last 75 years, and I can think of few better causes to support than Youthbuild. Every year I am moved and inspired by the individual stories of those recognised at these Awards, which provide disadvantaged young people with a bridge into the industry, developing vital skills within a supportive environment that will help secure the post-recession future of the building sector.”
The other sponsors of the awards were Skanska, Northern Tool + Equipment, Places for People, Notting Hill Housing and the EDF Energy London Eye.
Further details on the Awards can be found at www.ybuk.org. Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page.
Skanksa Sponsor Young Builder of the Year Awards
04/10/2011
Skanksa is the latest sponsor of the 2011 Young Builder of the Year Awards. The national awards celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work for the construction industry.
The Young Builder of the Year awards have successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. 21 finalists have been selected from the two categories of awards; - those in employment aged between 16 and 25 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. The awards ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 12th October 2011. As well as the accolade of ‘Young Builder of the Year’ winners will receive prizes of cash and tools.
Miriam Lewis based in Community Development said, “Skanska are pleased to support young people who have worked to overcome significant barriers to improve their chances within the construction industry.”
Skanska is a leading international project development and construction company, developing offices, homes and infrastructure projects, such as schools, hospitals and roads. We create sustainable solutions and aim to be a leader in quality, green construction, work safety and business ethics.
The other sponsors of the Awards are NHBC, Northern Tool + Equipment, Places for People, Notting Hill Housing and the EDF Energy London Eye.
Further details on the Awards can be found at www.ybuk.org. Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page.
Tommy Walsh Supports Young Builder of the Year Awards
29/09/2011
Tommy Walsh, best known for his role in the BBC’s popular gardening show, Ground Force, will help present the awards to the finalists of the Young Builder of the Year 2011.
The awards celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work for the construction industry. The awards ceremony, where the overall winners will be announced, will be held at the House of Commons on 12th October 2011. 21 finalists have been selected from the two categories of awards; - those in employment aged between 16 and 25 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. As well as the accolade of ‘Young Builder of the Year’ winners will receive prizes of cash and tools.
Tommy got involved in Ground Force whilst he was doing private building work for the executive producer, she invited him for a screen test and the rest is history. Ground Force has gone from strength to strength including huge success in America. He has also presented several DIY shows for Discovery: DIY Survival, Challenge Tommy and Ultimate Workshop. Tommy's first book DIY Survival was in the UK's bestsellers list and he has since published a further 4 DIY project books all with Harper Collins.
The Young Builder of the Year awards have successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. This year’s high- profile judging panel is Stephen Ratcliffe Director of the UK Contractors Group, Imtiaz Farookhi Chief Executive of National House-Building Council, Judy Lowe Deputy Chairman of CITB-ConstructionSkills and Alasdair Reisner Director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association.
Further details on the Awards can be found at www.ybuk.org. Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page.
Notting Hill Housing Sponsor Young Builder of the Year Awards
13/09/2011
Notting Hill Housing’s Construction Training Initiative (CTI) is the latest sponsor of the 2011 Young Builder of the Year Awards. The national awards celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work for the construction industry.
The Young Builder of the Year awards have successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. 21 finalists have been selected from the two categories of awards; - those in employment aged between 16 and 25 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. The awards ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 12th October 2011. As well as the accolade of ‘Young Builder of the Year’ winners will receive prizes of cash and tools.
Joe Brennan, CTI Manger said, “We are delighted and proud to be one of the sponsors of this years’ awards and are really looking forward to the event. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded organisations and celebrate the achievements of young people in the industry.”
Notting Hill Housing’s CTI has been in operation for over 15 years and is now a partnership of around 30 Housing Associations and eight Local Authorities and is active across London. CTI involvement in the YouthBuild UK Young Builder of the Year Awards began in 2006 during which time they have supplied three runners-up and two winners. CTI continues to provide waged work placements for those pursuing a career in the construction industry and is particularly proud of it’s achievements in promoting diversity and equality as well as providing sustainable jobs for it’s trainees with contractors.
The other sponsors of the Awards are NHBC, Northern Tool + Equipment, Place for People, Skanska and the EDF Energy London Eye.
Further details on the Awards can be found at www.ybuk.org. Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page.
BT Supports Social Entrepreneurialism
17/08/2011
Viv Froggatt, a BT Project Manager, has spent the last six months working for the TREES Group, one of the Midlands largest and most successful social enterprises.
With over 30 years of experience working within the structured environment of ‘big business’, her secondment at the TREES Group has been a real ‘eye-opener’ to the social enterprise way of working - creating sustainable businesses that reinvest profits into social goals.
Viv came to TREES as part of BT’s Charitable External Secondment programme, where her skill-set and availability were matched with the opportunity at TREES. Viv has helped to develop and launch Action Clean, a social enterprise to reduce re-offending and homelessness by providing training and employment opportunities to ex-offenders. Action Clean is an innovative collaboration between Action Homeless Leicester, HMYOI Glen Parva the TREES Group and Apex Works and delivers cleaning services to customers throughout the East Midlands.
Viv said “this opportunity has given me the working knowledge and understanding of the way in which social enterprises are created, managed and developed – a real culture shock compared to working in a major organisation such as BT. I didn’t realise that it costs an average of £45,000 per year to keep someone in prison and up to £31,000 per year to keep someone in a homeless shelter. Action Clean actually gives young people skills for life to help break the cycles of homelessness and re-offending which helps to make real savings to the public purse”.
Howard Platts of TREES said “Viv has used her skill set and methodologies, gained at BT, to provide a fresh approach to the development of Action Clean, which is now successfully trading. The key to its’ success has been the development of partnerships, with the organisations bringing a different set of skills to the table – Viv has been instrumental in ensuring that all parties deliver their objectives at the right times. She has now embarked on creating the new social business, Action Bikes, which is envisaged as being a multi-site operation across the East Midlands.”
Viv added “I feel that this secondment has been highly beneficial for all of those involved. Although I will be returning to BT at the middle of August I hope my contribution to the planning and development work will continue to drive the social enterprises managed by TREES for many months to come. This has been a great opportunity which has made me much more socially aware. I challenge anyone to get involved in social enterprise – it’s a fulfilling way to do business and meet some inspiring people”.
How Joe cleaned up his act - Action Clean
Monday, August 8, 2011 - Published by the Leicester Mercury
To read the full story please click on the link to download the PDF file. Click here.
Places for People & Northern Tool + Equipment back Young Builder of the Year Awards
Places for People, one of the largest property management, development and regeneration companies in the UK and Northern Tool + Equipment, a web and mail order catalogue company (recently acquired by Burdens) are the latest sponsors of this years’ Young Builder of the Year Awards.
The national awards celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work for the construction industry. The awards have successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. There are two categories of awards; - those in employment aged between 16 and 25 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. The awards ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 12th October 2011. As well as the accolade of ‘Young Builder of the Year’ winners will receive prizes of cash and tools.
Places for People's Group Head of Construction Paul Willis said “Places for People is delighted to support the annual Young Builder of the Year Awards 2011. As a housing developer that has helped hundreds of young people into employment during the last few years, it’s great to be involved with an event that highlights the young talent emerging in the construction industry. What makes these awards extra special is that many of the young people involved have had to overcome adversity to have a career in construction. We wish all of the entries the best of luck. "
Chris Briginshaw, Group Marketing Director of Burdens, added “We recognise the challenges facing disadvantaged young people and are proud to be associated with the Awards that appreciate the tremendous efforts the young people have displayed in reaching such high levels of achievement in the construction industry.”
Further details on the Awards can be found at www.ybuk.org. Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page.
High-Profile Judging Panel Announced for Young Builder of the Year Awards
Stephen Ratcliffe Director of the UK Contractors Group, Imtiaz Farookhi Chief Executive of National House-Building Council, Judy Lowe Deputy Chairman of CITB-ConstructionSkills
and Alasdair Reisner Director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association make-up this year’s high- profile judging panel of the Young Builder of the Year Awards.
Stephen Ratcliffe, also Chair of the judging panel said “With over a decade’s experience working in construction I am very aware of the need to recruit young, talented people to the industry from the widest possible backgrounds. Some of the most successful young recruits have had to overcome personal barriers to achieve their goals. I am therefore delighted to support the Young Builder of the Year Awards, the only awards in the construction industry which positively recognises those that have had to overcome adversity to have a career in construction”.
The Young Builder of the Year Awards has successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. There are two categories of awards; - those in employment aged between 16 and 25 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. The awards ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 12th October 2011.
Application forms to enter both categories of the Young Builder of the Year 2011 can be found at www.ybuk.org. Applications will close on 29th July with the finalist’s announced on 1st September. As well as the accolade of ‘Young Builder of the Year’ winners will receive prizes of cash and tools.
Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page.
The new-look Highpoint website now live
Highpoint is a unique venue set within inspiring surroundings.
Set in a prime location, conveniently close to Leicester City Centre and only minutes from the Midlands motorway network, the sympathetic conversion of St Catherine’s Chapel and Convent has resulted in the creation of a stunning venue for events ranging from AGM's, conferences and business briefings to smaller meetings and training workshops.
Click here to see the new website www.highpoint.org.uk
Young Builder of the Year 2011 Awards launched
The national awards to celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to work and train for the construction industry has been launched for 2011. The Young Builder of the Year awards has successfully run for 12 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK building industry.
Only last week the government announced that the construction industry continues to be in recession, the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, President of Youthbuild UK, commented
“At a time of real concern about the loss of skills in the construction industry, it is more than ever important to spread awareness of the industry amongst young people and champion those who strive to get qualified. The Young Builder of the Year Awards helps us to celebrate both the young people and the organisations supporting them”.
There are two categories of awards; - those in employment aged between 16 and 25 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. The awards ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 12th October. Last year’s winner was Omar Cila. Omar arrived in Britain aged 16 after fleeing his homeland of Guinea following a deeply traumatic event. By the age of 20 Omar had learnt speak English and had achieved Level 2 in Electrotechnical Technology and NVQ Electrical Installation at the College of North West London. Frank Stevens, curriculum manager said “Omar is well on the way to becoming a competent electrician and an asset to any employer”.
We are delighted to announce that NHBC (National House-Building Council) are once again sponsoring the awards, however to enable Youthbuild UK to continue promoting the cause and organising the awards we are still seeking additional sponsors and patrons. For further details please visit the YBUK website at www.ybuk.org
Application forms to enter both categories of the Young Builder of the Year 2011 can also be found at www.ybuk.org. Applications will close on 29th July with the finalist’s announced on 1st September. As well as the accolade of ‘Young Builder of the Year’ winners will receive a range of cash prizes to be used towards tools.
Also, follow us on the Youthbuild UK Facebook page. Youthbuild UK Facebook page
BBC East Midlands Today and Radio Leicester promotes Action Clean
Young offenders are being given the chance to get back into employment with a Leicestershire company.
Action Clean has been set up by local charities to offer cleaning work to people leaving Glen Parva young offenders' institute.
After an initial trial period, they are given up to six months work to gain experience and find somewhere to live.
To find out more please click here
Igniting the Spark 2011
89 leaders from the public, private and third sectors attended the Spark “Can partnership with big business change the world” event held at the BT Tower on Monday 17th January 2011.
The panel taking questions
The debate was on the belief that both the social value and business sense in big business partnering with social enterprise could not be broken. The debate was chaired by BBC financial journalist Peter Day, who thoroughly questioned the panel of: -
- Richard Beard, CEO Jericho Foundation
- Mark Graham, Director – Corporate Finance PWC
- Richard Johnson, CEO Serco Welfare to Work
- Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, Managing Director of global defence and security BT
- Maff Potts, CEO Novas Scarman
Despite some vigorous debate and questioning, at the end it was clear that the bond between big business and social enterprise could not be broken and that partnership between the two is the key to success.
Nigel Kershaw from the Big Issue and co-founder of Spark said after the debate, “We’ve had 33 pioneering social enterprises set up after three years. Now we want to extend this programme because this has been proof of concept for real.”