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Building local opportunities

Published: 16/02/2016

Flintshire County Council is working on an ambitious project to ensure its homes achieve the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) by the year 2020. The project, in partnership with national construction company Keepmoat, is not only improving the quality of life for residents, but it is also providing sustainable jobs for local people. Keepmoat enlisted the help of a local electrical contractor, JDE Electrical of Alltami, and has worked with them over the last 4-5 years replacing kitchens on the WHQS Programme in Flintshire. JDE has been able to employ an extra five apprentices during this time. The WHQS scheme has also helped a further three employees complete their apprenticeships, two of whom have gone onto complete their Supervisor Site Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) qualification. JDE have also recruited a number of ‘adult trainees’ who are in the process of completing electrical apprenticeships. All the apprentices live in Flintshire. Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Cllr Helen Brown, said, “Not only are we enhancing our tenants’ homes, but we are also able to provide local job opportunities to individuals who reside in Flintshire. JDE is one local company which has benefitted from the WHQS Programme”. Kris Davies, Director of JDE, said, “We are grateful to Keepmoat and Flintshire County Council for giving us the opportunity to grow in line with our ambitions. We are a local company who has benefitted from Flintshire County Council WHQS support.” Keepmoat has secured another contract and is continuing their partnership with JDE. David Williams, Keepmoat Operations Manager / Refurbishment and Sustainability, said, “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic project. The WHQS has had a huge impact on the wider community. Through working closely with our partners and supply chain we have been able to provide sustainable employment and training opportunities for local people helping to create a thriving community.” The Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) is a national standard of quality for homes set by the Welsh Government. It means that all tenants in Wales should have the opportunity to live in good quality homes which meet the requirements of that household. The Capital Works Team at Flintshire County Council is responsible for delivering internal and external upgrades to all council owned properties, complying with the WHQS by the year 2020. Pictured L to R are front: Apprentices Ben Davies, Andy Dale, Jac Williams, Matthew Palin (standing), Calum Davies, Chris Wood, Sam Williams Back: Julian Davies – Director of JDE, Colin Welsby - Keepmoat, David Williams – Operations Manager Keepmoat, Cllr Bernie Attridge, Cllr Helen Brown, Shaun O’Donnell – Contract Surveyor with FCC, Kris Davies – Director of JDE and Josh Davies – Supervisor at JDE