Calum Robb from Newton Aycliffe is the latest success story from homes and communities business livin’s award winning employability scheme after securing a job with a local contractor. 22-year-old Callum started his career on a two year apprenticeship in maintenance operations with livin in 2014 As part of its livin futures employability programme. Following his apprenticeship Callum went on to secure a job with livin’s grounds maintenance contractor Burleys.

With funding from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge (GAMP) Area Action Partnership Employability Skills Fund, managed by Bishop Auckland College Callum completed a City and Guilds certificates in chainsaw maintenance, tree felling, tree climbing and pre-form aerial rescue. Lee Phillips, contracts manager from Burley said: “The training Callum has undertaken has not only secured him a job but it also means he is the only person in the company that can carry out arial rescues which is a unique skills to have and something that is essential in our line of work.”

Callum is one of  61 apprentices that have secured employment as part of the livin futures employability scheme that offers a range of employment support to people locally including work experience programmes, training and qualifications along with help with CV writing and interview techniques. Helen Johnson, livin futures manager, said: “This is one example of the support livin futures can offer people in our communities.  It is designed to open doors and give people the best opportunities to get into work.  For Callum this is the best possible outcome we could have hoped for.” For more information on livin futures or to find out how to access funding for employment training visit www.livin.co.uk/futures

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