A group of groundworkers are hoping that their Neighbourhood Environment Action Team (NEAT) skills training will help them secure full time employment.
The five men have recently completed a NEAT training programme in their home-town of Rochdale. During the 12-month training scheme Adil Naveed, Zak Kirby, Phillip Howarth, Matthew Cheetham and Dave Parker acquired a NVQ Level 2 qualification in Construction Operations.
Each team member also earned an Emergency First Aid Certificate during the employed training programme which saw the men take on work experience on a range of landscaping projects. The team worked on a projects in their local area, learning skills in brick-work, flagging, site drainage, levels and kerbing
The team worked on projects in their local area, block paving work, redeveloping land surrounding shops and a work on play areas.
Adil Naveed, 33 said: “Working on the NEAT team I learnt a lot of skills, gained experience and increased my knowledge from really good supervisors. I also gained some useful qualifications.”
The programme, which allows local learners to put their skills into action in the local area is run by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale in partnership with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH).
Zak Kirby, 21 said: “It has been the best year of my life working for Groundwork. The people and the place will always be special to me.”
Phil Treaton, Land & Design Manager at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale, explained: “We’re delighted with the development of these five individuals and the quality of work they have completed on behalf of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.
"We’re keen to help all of our participants on to the next stage of their career and are calling on local employers in construction, landscaping and housing to come forward and support these skilled and motivated individuals.”