Property partnership in move to create employment opportunities

A new partnership between Trafford Housing Trust and Procure Plus is set to bring new career opportunities and training to local communities and individuals who are long-term unemployed or looking to make a career change into the construction industry.

Trafford Housing Trust aims to create 20,000 new homes across the region over the next 10 years as it continues to tackle the housing crisis.

Thanks to funding secured by Trafford-based property procurement company Procure Plus, the new partnership can deliver training, pre-employment and a recruitment service to support people into work at the Trust’s housing developments in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire.

Contractors and their supply chain will recruit and train local people to help deliver these housing projects, engaging with local employment support groups and charities to find suitable candidates.

A £250 referral fee for every successful candidate will also provide essential funds for these local organisations.

Larry Gold, chief executive of Trafford Housing Trust, said: “This new partnership is an integral part of our commitment to maximising employment and training opportunities at all of our construction sites in the North West.

“As well as being one of the biggest housing developers in the region, we are also a profit for purpose organisation, so it is vital that our developments also give something back to the communities where we are building.

“These are challenging times for many of us, so it is more important than ever that job opportunities and upskilling are available not only in the North West, but the entire country.”

Procure Plus is a commercial, not-for-profit, company that specialises in the procurement of goods and services related to both new-build and repair and maintenance and repairs for a wide range of social housing clients.

Wik Morrell, senior employment and training manager, said: “It is great that we are getting the opportunity to work in partnership with Trafford Housing Trust to provide training and employment opportunities within the community.

“This will give people the chance to get the training and work experience they need to secure sustainable employment in a variety of construction jobs and really support individuals in a time when it is needed more than ever.

“Procure Plus and Trafford Housing Trust are both passionate about social value and we look forward to working together over the coming years and making a positive difference in the communities where we will be working.”