Jobs galore at Homes for Haringey’s Jobs Fair

Tuesday 5 May 2009

Over 400 people visited the Construction Jobs Fair, hosted by Homes for Haringey, on Friday April 24.

The free event, held at Wood Green Library, featured the four major building firms, Apollo, Wates, Mulalley and Lovell, who are Homes for Haringey’s constructor partners in its £200m Decent Homes programme, as well as big names such as British Gas, Wilmot Dixon and Oakray, and Building Schools for the Future contractors, Balfour Beatty and the Breyer Group.

Apprentices working for Homes for Haringey and their contractors were also there to encourage other would-be apprentices to consider a career in building, giving first hand accounts of their trades and day to day experiences.

The event didn’t stop at job opportunities: visitors were able to fill in application forms on the spot, with free advice readily available from the Council’s Haringey Guarantee project, Job Centre Plus, and Haringey Connexions on form-filling, CV preparation and interviewing skills.

Longer term advice on careers, education and training in the construction industry was provided by CONEL (College of North East London), and Haringey Adult Learning Service (HALS).

The event, the first of its kind to be held by Homes for Haringey, was so successful that another one is being considered for next year.

The Homes for Haringey construction jobs fair

Homes for Haringey’s Executive Director of Asset Management, Ola Akinfe, said: “Despite the economic downturn, there are plenty of job opportunities in Haringey. The Construction Jobs Fair was a great opportunity for anyone looking for work, training, or work placements to come and explore the possibilities. Now is a good time to apply, because of the millions being invested in local homes and schools under the Decent Homes and Building Schools for the Future programmes. We really want to highlight our commitment to reducing local unemployment by enabling these programme to benefit local people with proper jobs and training.”

HR Adviser, Joyce Hawthorne, who spent the afternoon on the Homes for Haringey stand, said, “We had a great day - the whole place was buzzing and we were rushed off our feet. One thing I particularly enjoyed was everyone’s enthusiasm. There are so many people who want to work, and I’m really pleased that we are able to help them.”

Mr Dele Olowu, 29 from Turnpike Lane, Haringey said: “I found it very useful as there were so many construction companies and careers advice services. I came along as I am considering retraining as an electrician. I now have so much information about the building trade which has made me feel more confident about my future. I hope these job fairs continue as it helps to have specialised companies as well as general careers services all under the one roof.”

For more information on the decent homes programme, ring 020 8489 1778 or visit our decent homes pages.

End

Notes for editors

Homes for Haringey is the Arms Length Management Organisation managing Haringey Council’s housing stock.

It is responsible for:

  • Services to approx 21,000 council owned properties: 16,700 tenanted and 4,500 leasehold
  • Tenancy and estate management
  • Housing management of supported housing
  • Rent collection and arrears management
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Leasehold management
  • Resident involvement
  • Meeting the Decent Homes Standard.

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