Regeneration - promoting local training & employment opportunities
Construction Works is an innovative regeneration project established by Islington council to benefit local residents and employers by providing intensive training and employment opportunities in the construction industry. The project aims to bring people from diverse backgrounds into the industry including young people, women and black and ethnic minority residents of the borough.
While the activities of the project were valued it was chiefly seen as a funding stream for training activities rather than as a distinct project. Something more was needed in order to make the project sustainable in the long-term.
There was a need to create a clear identity and to build relationships with stakeholders including: local colleges, training agencies and employers as well as the current and potential beneficiaries (mainly unemployed) people in Islington.
Roma Thomas carried out a series of stakeholder interviews with training agencies, trainees and employers and used the information to create a communications plan.
She drew up a brief and ran a tendering process to select a design agency and subsequently worked with the agency to create a brand and identity guidelines for Construction Works.
As part of the communications plan Roma proposed an Awards event to create a high point for the project. The event would celebrate the achievements of the trainees (mainly young people, average age 17) and recognise the contribution of employers and training agencies. Relatives and friends of the trainees were also invited to the event. Roma managed every aspect of the event, from finding a venue, organising exhibition stands, developing the speaker briefs and writing speeches.
The result of the work was highly successful, establishing a distinct brand for Construction Works and raising the profile of Construction Works with stakeholders and with the local press.
Please contact Roma if you would like to learn more about her services.
