SARH project offers employment opportunity for Daniel

A previously unemployed Stafford resident is now helping to regenerate his community after landing a job with support from Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).

Daniel Bradley, 28, from Sidney Avenue, is working on a £1.6million SARH project to make 44 homes in Penkside warmer and more attractive after SARH’s Independent Living Co-ordinator Cath Cross encouraged him to apply for a job as a temporary labourer.

“This opportunity has opened a door to a whole new career path for me having previously worked in retail jobs and having been out of work for over eight months,” said Daniel.

“It’s a big change of direction but I’m really enjoying learning lots of new skills.  I’d like to thank SARH’s independent living co-ordinator Cath who told me about the opportunity while I was using the washing machines in the communal area at the flats.”

Daniel is working with contractor Bullock after they made the position available for a local person through an agency.

“We wanted this job opportunity to be offered to someone who lives in the local area”, said Geoff Arrowsmith, Project Manager for Bullock.

“As a company a key part of all our work programmes is to provide sustainable community benefits through employment and training opportunities for local people.  So when Daniel came forward and expressed an interest in working for us we were delighted.  We gave him an interview and were so impressed we appointed him as quickly as we could and he’s proving to be a real asset to the team.”

The project involves the roof and external cladding to SARH’s complex of flats and a communal lounge on Sidney Avenue being replaced to make them more energy efficient.

“Daniel’s appointment shows that the project is about much more than bricks and mortar.  It is also about providing a chance for a local person to gain valuable employment experience and new skills that also benefits the local community,” said Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH.

Daniel is now helping with a range of tasks including brickwork and landscaping and will continue to work with Bullock’s staff throughout the duration of the project.