Employment opportunities for unemployed residents of East Lothian have been created with an innovative Employability Programme, developed by Hart Builders in partnership with Jobcentre Plus Musselburgh, JB Safesite Training and East Lothian Council's East Lothian Works.

Delivered as part of East Lothian Council's Community Benefits programme, the 'Insulation Installers Programme' has provided four new employment opportunities installing insulation as part of Hart Builders ongoing programme of new build affordable housing.

Cllr John McMillan, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "Recent changes in building standards legislation has introduced the need for much higher levels of insulation and air tightness within new build properties. As a direct result of these changes, Colin Jack, Construction Director of Hart Builders, recognised an opportunity to create a squad of semi-skilled workers to take responsibility for installing insulation in Harts new build properties. The East Lothian project follows a similar programme initially piloted by Harts in partnership with Dundee City Council and provides invaluable training and employment opportunities."

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Funding for the industry specific certificated training was provided by Department for Work and Pensions, who also hosted an Information and Recruitment Day for interested candidates in Musselburgh Jobcentre. East Lothian Works delivered the Employability part of the training and facilitated industry specific training delivered by JB Safesite Training in:

• Construction Skills Certification Scheme Training (CSCS), including the Level 1 award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment

• Level 2 award in Safe Manual Handling.

• Health Awareness Course and Dynamic Risk Assessor Training

• Safe Face Fitting Training

Hart Builders arranged two weeks on-site training and work experience and provided guaranteed interviews for each of the candidates who completed the programme. To round the programme off, Harts held a Celebration Event where the trainees were presented with their portfolios of training and completion certificates.

Gill Henry, Head of Business Development at Hart Builders said: "We are delighted to have partnered with East Lothian Council, Jobcentre Plus and JB Safesite Training to extend what is proving to be a highly successful employability programme. As the second largest employer in East Lothian, it was important to Harts to offer training and employment for local people. The four candidates we recruited showed huge commitment and really impressed us during the programme and we look forward to them joining our team during June and July."

(MH)