A pioneering training scheme run by New East Manchester that recently scooped the top award in the training category at the first Regeneration and Renewal Awards 2007 has just recruited a new cohort of Regeneration Assistants. This year, 145 applications were received and five candidates were successful in obtaining places on the programme.
The five new recruits include:
- Cheryl Collinson (38), a mother of two from Openshaw, who had been a full time Mum and wanted to get back on the career ladder;
- Amy Ward (23) a graduate in International Fashion Marketing from Newton Heath
- Jacqueline Salmon (22), a mother of one from Clayton who was previously a shop assistant at the NEXT store at Sportcity and is a talented singer who spent six years singing with X Factor winner Shayne Ward at Music Stuff at Crossley House Youth Centre in Openshaw;
- Lenny Wright (25) who is a Geography graduate who lives in Levenshulme;
- Nadira Miah (24) a mother of one from Crumpsall who used to work at North Manchester General hospital and speaks three languages
All five Regeneration Assistants are currently undertaking the Level 2 NVQ ‘Working in the Community’ and will progress to Level 3 and then onto the Foundation Degree in ‘Neighbourhood Renewal’.
Since starting the scheme in 2005, New East Manchester has recruited 13 local people to this unique initiative that aims to help local people access jobs in the regeneration industry. The project provides a structured, accredited training programme combined with work experience to gain skills, practical knowledge and relevant qualifications that will provide a good grounding in regeneration and give young people a chance of getting on the first step on the career ladder.
Initial funding for the Regeneration Assistant Project came from New Deal for Communities and the North West Regional Development Agency. Due to the success of the project, the second intake received 50 per cent of project costs from partnership organisations including Sure Start and Eastlands Homes, enabling the assistants to undertake placements within their organisations.
For more information visit www.neweastmanchester.com.
