Free DIY training for Oldham residents

The training had 10 female participants who are unemployed or on a low income, and who wish to learn basic DIY and maintenance skills, such as joinery, tiling, and plumbing.

Building on Guinness’s existing partnership with Oldham College, the college has donated the training space as part of their social value work. Apprentices employed by Guinness who attend Oldham College for their training are supporting the programme, sharing their experiences and assisting with the practical tasks.

The training is delivered by Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC and supported by partner organisations: Great Places Housing Group, Edmundson Electrical, Hispec, Triton, Jewson Partnership Solutions and Smartworks Greater Manchester, along with Guinness - with all partners involved in coordinating and planning the programme, helping fund the course and providing guest speakers.The cost of travel is covered for participants.

As well as training, participants will receive mentoring, get support and guidance to help them get into work, and the chance to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme ( CSCS).

The programme has also been shortlisted in the Collaborative Working category at this year’s Building Communities Awards.

Erin who attended the training course, said: “I was thinking about becoming a surveyor before starting the course. I’ve worked in housing before but doing more admin roles, now I want to work on the other side. And after doing the plumbing this week, I’m now thinking I want to carry on with that because I really enjoyed it.”

Kath who also attended the course commented: “I’ve recently had to start my life over again and this course has given me confidence, it’s just boosted me. I’m now thinking about doing an apprenticeship which I hadn’t thought about before the course. I’m doing the spray-painting course with Terrix and looking to start working part-time.”

Eadaoin Kelly, Senior Community Partnership Manager at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are thrilled to be delivering our award-winning programme again in Oldham supporting local residents to gain new practical skills, build confidence and develop new friendships as part of our DIY skills programme. This programme is a great example of partnership working and we are incredibly grateful to our fantastic partners for their continued support and commitment.”

Also, funded by the training partners and donated by Hispec and Jewson Partnership Solutions all attendees received a free toolbox and goody bag - an amazing end-of-course gift.