Inspire, Train, Grow CIC

This will be a post about a double decker. Not the underwhelming chocolate bar (cue messages from its loyal supporters). No, the rather large vehicle of endless possibility and wonder! We are currently ongoing with a project at Inspire, Train, Grow CIC to purchase a double decker bus to be able to use as a community engagement tool. A mobile skills centre to drive to the heart of communities and schools to support pathways into employment. Transport and its associated costs can be a huge barrier to progression. By creating 'The Building Coach' we can overcome this issue to encourage participation and reduce isolation. We want to inspire individuals whilst creating equal access to opportunity. So what will it look like? On the lower deck we will create a modular skills environment that can adapt for purpose. This space can be demand led and cover sessions on plastering, plumbing, wiring, tiling, joinery etc...... through to things like bike maintenance and basic cookery. We want to get really creative with the space to encourage a love of learning and self development. The upper deck will be more of a classroom set up for CV writing, interview skills, labour market information, analysing apprenticeships and include a softer area for mental health & well being sessions and 1-2-1's. We have been awarded funding from the Frank Rogers Foundation and are now seeking employers who may wish to support us further in return for advertising on the bus, photo opportunities, staff volunteering days etc.... Do you have a CSR or Community budget? Do you want to demonstrate your social value? We're really excited to get this project off the ground but we do need your help to do it. Also if anyone can direct us to any funding or grant opportunities we are exploring all options with a number of submissions already. #socialvalue #communityengagement #CSR Gail Farley Claire Fenton (Nee Lomax) Sally Ross Hannah Simnett

So we have good news that Alexander the L2 Joinery Apprentice that was let go has now secured new employment locally and is getting the support needed to carry on with his studies. HOWEVER... We now need opportunities for a young lady and another young man who were also let go pre-christmas and have 12 weeks to secure a new employer. They both do 1 day a week in Hugh Baird currently. Unfortunately neither drives however they are in the process of learning. This often proves to be a huge barrier to opportunity. One of the reasons that if we can grow our membership we may have surplus funds to support young people with driving, interview clothing etc... And finally we are still trying to support Evan who created his own flyer whilst searching for an Electrical opportunity. He's been doing really well in college and whats to learn more on the job. Candidates come to us all the time, especially as we are now going live with our Social Value Recruitment Charter and trying to change employer mindsets in widening opportunity and embedding social value. Please do get in touch if you can help support. #socialvalue #socialvaluerecruitment #opportunity #apprenticeships #NAW2024

Another day, another announcement......over the moon to welcome aboard Team Inspire, Train, Grow CIC the one and only Hannah Simnett from You're Cherished Hannah brings vast experience of supporting young people to flourish, especially those who have experienced trauma. I know we will learn a huge amount from her and her team and she is keen to make sure all employers in the region are trauma informed so all employees can thrive. #traumahealing #traumainformed #apprenticeships #workplacewellbeing #socialvalue #socialvaluerecruitment #opportunity #communityimpact

I can't recall if I have posted this before but she is so good she's worth shouting about twice anyway. Inspire, Train, Grow CIC are absolutely delighted to have Gail Farley come on board our steering group as a Social Investor. She has a wealth of experience in property maintenance and social housing and is a Top 100 Women in Construction member. She's really passionate about creating more opportunities for women in the male dominated construction environment and will help us deliver our objectives. #womeninconstruction #socialvalue #socialvaluerecruitment

Unfortunately we have been contacted again by a young man who has been let go from his job / apprenticeship. This is becoming more and more common. Alexander is studying Level 2 Joinery with Hugh Baird 1 day a week and with an employer for the other 4 days. That business has now let all of their staff go and as such he has 12 weeks to find a new workplace, even if they only took him on until his course ends in the summer. He is really keen, enjoying his course/work and drives. References can be provided. Can anyone support him even if it is short term? I hate hearing about situations like this because we're talking about the future of a young person being disrupted through no fault of their own. When young people have drive, ambition and commitment, we need to do what we can to support them. He is Crosby based but as mentioned he drives and can travel. #apprenticeship #joinery #opportunity #socialvalue #socialvaluerecruitment #job