Opening Doors to Training and Employment for Mercian Residents
Birmingham based Mercian Housing Association, in conjunction with the Learning & Skills Council, is taking part in the Open Door Programme - a pilot programme in the West Midlands region to develop an Adult Advancement and Careers Service, to help residents in the areas of learning, work and careers.
Mercian, along with Black Country Housing Group, Castle Vale Community Housing Association, Midland Heart and Family Housing Association make up the Birmingham Black Country Outreach Partnership (BBCROP), all of whom have strategic aims to tackle worklessness and the wider issues faced by their residents.
To coordinate the work for the Open Door Programme, each partner has recruited an Employment Development Officer (EDO). EDOs are responsible for working in key neighbourhoods to identify employment and training needs of residents and members of the local community and then signposting them to organisations that can assist.
Kim Bairstow has been appointed as EDO for Mercian, joining the Community Regeneration Team. She said of her of her new role, “As EDO I provide a central point of contact for those looking for help with getting back to work, a career change or training and I also offer advice on other barriers, such as childcare and money problems. Anyone living in Erdington, South West Birmingham or Sandwell can contact me, whether they are employed, unemployed or redundant and of any age or circumstance. The Open Door Programme is really gathering momentum and I already have 20 customers registered across the West Midlands.
“I will be meeting with these individuals to discuss their barriers to employment; helping them to create a CV, fill in online applications (even how to use the internet if they are not familiar) and, if necessary, directing them to organisations such as Job Centre Plus for job vacancies or Next Step, who offer interview skills and provide assistance in identifying training courses in the local area.”
Community Regeneration Manager at Mercian, James Walsh, said, “Working in partnership with other RSL’s has given us the chance to deliver an innovative and valuable service across a very wide area. This type of engagement emphasises how social housing landlords can assist residents with their wider needs in order to improve their economic and social well being.”
The Open Door Programme is an excellent example of how Mercian is creating opportunities for residents to access employment and training, improving standards of living.
If you feel that Kim or one of the other EDOs could help you, please call 0121 322 7405 for more details.
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Press Enquiries please contact Vicky Jones on 0121 322 7391 or email vjones@mercian.org.uk.