With a massive skills shortage in the construction industry contributing to record numbers of homes with planning permission waiting to be built, AJ Eaton, divisional director for Mi-space, looks to the year ahead and explains why the lifelong unemployed could be the saviours of the sector.

Biting austerity measures and years of recession have taken their toll on the construction industry. Countless skilled workers left the sector after the economic downturn forced companies to tighten belts, cut costs and slash workforces. And according to the Local Government Association (LGA), 475,000 homes with planning permission are still waiting to be built around the country. The LGA says the backlog highlights needs by councils to invest in building more homes and also for the construction industry’s deep skills shortage to be addressed. But now, Mi-space, a division of the Midas Group, is using its social conscience as a building block to help the industry – and the country – to grow.

As the social housing specialist of the Group, Mi-space strives to not only build and refurbish homes but to invest in the communities it works in, by employing, training and developing the skills of people living near its projects.

In Plymouth, Mi-space has recently completed a scheme for Plymouth Community Homes refurbishing over 300 homes in the city. As part of the four year project, Mi-space has so far also been able to create and sustain over 400 jobs. The scheme has positively impacted complex unemployment issues in one of the most deprived areas of Plymouth.

AJ Eaton, divisional director for Mi-space, said: “We have worked hard to train people and bring people back to the workplace. We have a real commitment to doing that. Some of the people we supported were second or third generation unemployed who may never have known anyone in their family who has gone out to work.”

The majority of those employed as part of the deal with Plymouth Community Homes lived within Plymouth and the recruitment drive by Mi-space not only provided a wealth of new, enthusiastic, skilled workers but also has a knock on effect for the local economy.

AJ added: “If we can help to create a sustainable workforce then we get back a committed team of staff and the more people we have, the more competitive we become in the construction market. And our commitment is paid back to us with higher levels of staff retention.

“We have got people who live locally, are trained locally and it really helps to rejuvenate a community. These communities are our communities and we are giving people a way to get in to employment which benefits the whole area. The more people in work means the more money being put back into local businesses.”

Among the hundreds of people now enjoying a safe and secure job, thanks to the work of Mi-space, is Connie Palmer. Just one year ago the 26 year old found herself living on the streets thanks to a spiralling problem with alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour. After being supported by Devon charity Shekinah to kick her addictions and instead focus on building a new career, Connie was put in touch with Mi-space. After carrying out a four week work experience placement with one of Mi-space’s local subcontract partners APEC, she was offered the chance of permanent work. Back on her feet and living independently, Connie is now a skilled and committed member of the team, working as a self-employed labourer.

She said: “Before I took on the work experience, I had major anxiety issues and wasn’t very sociable at all. Because of everything that had happened to me, I had retreated in to my shell. But thanks to this opportunity, and because Shane and the team at Mi-space saw some potential in me and took a chance, I am a completely different person.

“I can’t believe how much my life has changed in one year. Thanks to Shekinah, Mi-space and APEC, I have been able to make plans for the future, gain new qualifications and learn a trade. I love where my life is now but you never know, maybe at some point I could go it alone with my own business. The opportunities I have received have made me really excited for what the future may hold.”

And it is stories like this that drive AJ to keep offering skills and training to those in need of a second chance.

He said: “We work with people who were homeless, or at risk of homelessness, or who’ve suffered from alcohol and substance abuse, as well as other barriers to employment and help them to change their lives and enjoy sustainable employment. Providing these individuals with opportunities to change their lives for the better makes me very proud of Mi-space.”

“It is a given that we can fit the kitchens and bathrooms, rewire a home or install new windows. The real work is in using these jobs as a vehicle for change by training and employing people as well as investing in local communities.”

Factfile:

• Mi-space has engaged with 25 subcontractors to assist with the delivery of the Plymouth Community Homes project.They have committed to support and mentor them with any business issues whilst they are working with the company.

• Mi-space has sustained or created roles for over 400 people on the project, both direct and subcontract employment.

• To ensure subcontractors are aware of the support available to them to allow them to maximise local employment, Mi-space held a subcontractor breakfast in partnership with the JobCentre, Working Links and local training providers.

• Mi-space worked in partnership with the JobCentre, Working Links and other local organisations and charities to provide work experience placements for jobseekers to help to increase their employability.

  ENDS