RE:GEN North East enhance lives through safe and sustainable social housing regeneration. Our partnership with Karbon Homes and the subsequent partnerships we are able to create with our supply chain are helping to unlock employment opportunities within the communities we are regenerating and provide real positive impact to Karbon’s customers.
The RE:GEN Academy worked with RE:GEN North East’s supply chain to upskill and provide employability support to a cohort of learners seeking a career within construction, but lacking some previous experience. Through the undertaking of a Skills Bootcamp, funded through the North East Combined Authority, three unemployed learners gained employment, who would not have previously been eligible for such roles, as a result of undertaking the Skills Bootcamp.
One particular learner shined through and has been able to turnaround their life-circumstances. As a direct result of the Karbon partnership, the previously unemployed Karbon customer has now gained meaningful employment with Fortify Electrical, one of RE:GEN North East’s supply chain partners, and is now working within their community on the Karbon partnership.
RE:GEN Academy provide pathways into sustainable employment, bringing new people into an industry with a significant skills issue, while offering these opportunities to those living and connected to the communities RE:GEN North East are regenerating. This is made possible through longer term regeneration partnerships.
Q&A with the learner:
How long have you been a Karbon Homes Customer?
“I have been a Karbon customer for over 3 years and was a customer of Byker Community Trust prior to that.”
How long were you unemployed before taking part in the Skills Bootcamp?
“I was unemployed for 8 weeks, it was a worrying time.”
How did you find out about the Skills Bootcamp?
“I was made aware of the bootcamp via referral services in the North East.”
Have you been on any previous employability courses and how did it compare?
“This was my first Skills Bootcamp. I’ve never been on courses like this before, they have never appealed to me but the benefits of this course really stood out and came at a time I needed it most.”
What was your greatest highlight during the
Skills Bootcamp?
“I really enjoyed the practical sessions with Jamie. He gave me the skills and confidence to wire basic sockets and strip wires, and I’m still using those skills today. I also learned a lot about green energy which will be valuable to me. The driving lessons were incredibly helpful; I can now drive provisionally, and will be looking to take my test very soon.
Overall, the entire bootcamp was fun, enjoyable and well run. The atmosphere was great, and everyone was friendly.”
How has the experience of gaining the employment through the Academy enhanced your life?
“I started working three weeks ago and I’m really enjoying my time at Fortify, working on rewires. I’ve gained a lot of experience in these past few weeks and I’m looking forward to the next review, when I’ll also begin college.”
Quote from Fortify Electrical:
“Whilst taking part in the RE:GEN Skills bootcamp with ourselves at Fortify Electrical Services Ltd, this learner showed a great eagerness to involve himself in all tasks. At the end of the Skills Bootcamp he was then interviewed by 2 senior members of the business who were both impressed by his professionalism and general demeanour. Feedback from all that had met him over the week long bootcamp had been positive, and we knew he would fit seamlessly into our team.
Following a successful interview and Skills Bootcamp, he has gained employment with us and is currently working full time on the RE:GEN/Karbon Housing re-wire scheme. He is continuing to show an eagerness to learn the trade, and assist with tasks where he can.
He has been a great asset to our business since joining us, and we are looking forward to seeing him progress in this trade.”
