News Archive

New Partnership Creates Local Jobs

A newly formed partnership between J21 Oldham & Rochdale Local Labour in Construction Initiative, Community 1st Oldham Ltd (the Oldham LIFTco) and support services and construction company Carillion has started to deliver results for local people in Oldham. The partnership aims to create local employment and businesses opportunities on a number of new health centres and community facilities to be built across Oldham over the next 20 years, commencing with the flagship Oldham town centre Integrated Care Centre. Rod Hulme Director of Community 1st Oldham Ltd comments "In all our LIFT developments we endeavour to ensure that community regeneration and employment generation opportunities are maximised. LIFT is not just about new buildings but about supporting wider regeneration in the borough. This is a key target for us when working in partnership with Oldham Primary Care Trust on the flagship ICC development". 19 yr old Nicola Chatterton is the first person to be recruited through this initiative who has taken on the role of construction site receptionist on the ICC. Having gained an NVQ level 2 in administration, Nicola previously worked for Rochdale Youth Offending Team before being made redundant in February. She said "This job offer came as a pleasant surprise and Im really looking forwarded to the challenge. I still have a lot to learn in my chosen profession and this job will provide me with the experience I need to succeed in industry." Carillion has committed to recruiting more than 40 local trainees/apprentices over the next 3-4 years through J21 and The Oldham College. In addition, opportunities will be created for local contractors and skilled workers alike. Alex Moore Contracts Manager, Carllion said "Carillion is excited with the prospect of future growth in construction throughout the Oldham & Rochdale areas. We feel it is extremely important to return sustainable profitable growth to the local community through employment and training. We are very pleased to have been able to offer Nicola a suitable position on our project at ICC and help the development of her chosen career path".   Over the past year, J21 has secured employment for 57 people and invested over £70,000 on training. Sarfraz Arfan - J21 Manager said "This partnership will deliver tangible benefits for the borough of Oldham. From the outset, Community 1st Oldham Ltd expressed a firm commitment to local labour. We aim to build on this, to deliver a lasting impact on the lives of local people, in particular new entrants seeking a long-term career in construction and in helping to sustain the local economy". Equity Solutions is the private sector partner in Community 1st Oldham Limited.