Employer case study: The Carpenters Arms
Training is not just about equipping people with the skills to find and sustain employment; it is about building confidence, bringing hope and unleashing talent. Nowhere is that more evident than at The Carpenters Arms.
The Carpenters Arms is a Christian residential abstinence-based programme based in Leicestershire. It offers support to men wishing to be free from addiction. Its centres in Loughborough and Melton Mowbray welcome residents aged 18-65 from across the UK. Founders Bryan and Judith Spence have won a number of awards for the charity’s work, including an ITV (Pride of Britain) Local Hero award for Bryan in 2013.
The charity enlisted the support of Access Training in two key areas. Firstly, by building the employability skills of its residents. Secondly, through apprenticeships.
Here, Scott Wheatley, Assistant Director of Operations, explains why Access’s employability support is so important in building lives broken by drugs or alcohol.
“People find The Carpenters Arms when they are at their most vulnerable and lost. It’s really important that our environment is safe and welcoming, and offers all it can to help residents turn their lives around, escape homelessness and addiction, and reintegrate in their community.
We offer a 3-stage process for our residents. Phase 1: Admission focuses on a detox to help residents adjust to day-to-day life without substances or alcohol. Phase 2: The Main Programme concentrates on personal development, helping residents identify the changes they want to see in their lives and supporting them in areas such as budgeting. Phase 3: Move On which aims to get residents ready for independent living, including getting back into active employment or education.
The breadth of our programme gives you a sense of the scale of support needed. Employability skills are a key part of that and certainly something we couldn’t deliver without partnering with others.
Access Training has been helping us at Phase 2. They sat down with us to learn more about our residents’ needs and shaped a three-week course accordingly. Stage 1 focuses on building confidence and re-introducing residents to learning. It covers elements such as how to work in a team, as well as manner and conduct. Stage 2 focuses on applying for work, including CV writing and interview skills. Stage 3 is optional for residents and has more of a focus on vocational learning. We assessed where each resident’s interests and needs lie, and offered training in basic IT skills, maths and English as well as in Health and Social Care for those looking to join that sector.
Training from Access has brought two immediate benefits. Firstly, it has given the guys real confidence, and has brought normality and balance to what have otherwise been very chaotic lives. Secondly, it has led to some residents considering other paths, and has proved a valuable addition to their CVs and a reference point at interview.
One particular resident was so engaged with the training that he biked in from Loughborough eight miles each way every day. Knowing the impact the Centre has on their own lives leads many of our residents to consider a role where they too can help others. This particular individual is one such example, and we’re looking at an apprenticeship scheme with Access to help him make the transition from resident to a member of staff at the Centre.
The first cohort was a resounding success and we’re looking forward to the delivery of our second later this month.”
Kathryn Harrold, Employability Trainer at Access Training, adds:
“A source of motivation for us all at Access Training is making a social impact through the training we deliver. We measure this social value through the increase in skills, employment prospects and confidence levels of our learners. It's rewarding to see people take a step closer to a new life. In fact, it’s a privilege!
“Often, when people are in a vulnerable position, all they need is a little confidence and self-esteem. Our training certainly helps bring those qualities to the fore, and I have no doubt that the residents at The Carpenters Arms will go on to fulfil their true potential as a result.”
Learn more about The Carpenters Arms.
The Carpenters Arms is a Christian residential abstinence-based programme based in Leicestershire. It offers support to men wishing to be free from addiction. Its centres in Loughborough and Melton Mowbray welcome residents aged 18-65 from across the UK. Founders Bryan and Judith Spence have won a number of awards for the charity’s work, including an ITV (Pride of Britain) Local Hero award for Bryan in 2013.
The charity enlisted the support of Access Training in two key areas. Firstly, by building the employability skills of its residents. Secondly, through apprenticeships.
Here, Scott Wheatley, Assistant Director of Operations, explains why Access’s employability support is so important in building lives broken by drugs or alcohol.
“People find The Carpenters Arms when they are at their most vulnerable and lost. It’s really important that our environment is safe and welcoming, and offers all it can to help residents turn their lives around, escape homelessness and addiction, and reintegrate in their community.
We offer a 3-stage process for our residents. Phase 1: Admission focuses on a detox to help residents adjust to day-to-day life without substances or alcohol. Phase 2: The Main Programme concentrates on personal development, helping residents identify the changes they want to see in their lives and supporting them in areas such as budgeting. Phase 3: Move On which aims to get residents ready for independent living, including getting back into active employment or education.
The breadth of our programme gives you a sense of the scale of support needed. Employability skills are a key part of that and certainly something we couldn’t deliver without partnering with others.
Access Training has been helping us at Phase 2. They sat down with us to learn more about our residents’ needs and shaped a three-week course accordingly. Stage 1 focuses on building confidence and re-introducing residents to learning. It covers elements such as how to work in a team, as well as manner and conduct. Stage 2 focuses on applying for work, including CV writing and interview skills. Stage 3 is optional for residents and has more of a focus on vocational learning. We assessed where each resident’s interests and needs lie, and offered training in basic IT skills, maths and English as well as in Health and Social Care for those looking to join that sector.
Training from Access has brought two immediate benefits. Firstly, it has given the guys real confidence, and has brought normality and balance to what have otherwise been very chaotic lives. Secondly, it has led to some residents considering other paths, and has proved a valuable addition to their CVs and a reference point at interview.
One particular resident was so engaged with the training that he biked in from Loughborough eight miles each way every day. Knowing the impact the Centre has on their own lives leads many of our residents to consider a role where they too can help others. This particular individual is one such example, and we’re looking at an apprenticeship scheme with Access to help him make the transition from resident to a member of staff at the Centre.
The first cohort was a resounding success and we’re looking forward to the delivery of our second later this month.”
Kathryn Harrold, Employability Trainer at Access Training, adds:
“A source of motivation for us all at Access Training is making a social impact through the training we deliver. We measure this social value through the increase in skills, employment prospects and confidence levels of our learners. It's rewarding to see people take a step closer to a new life. In fact, it’s a privilege!
“Often, when people are in a vulnerable position, all they need is a little confidence and self-esteem. Our training certainly helps bring those qualities to the fore, and I have no doubt that the residents at The Carpenters Arms will go on to fulfil their true potential as a result.”
Learn more about The Carpenters Arms.
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