Progress Futures update – Summer 2024

Our Progress Futures Team shares an update on what has been happening over the past few months and what is to come: 

Training Courses 

Progress Futures has recently delivered the below courses from our local community centres and are currently planning additional courses over the next few months: 

• Creating A More Confident You 

• CSCS course 

• Employment – CV building and interview skills 

• Debt Prevention and Money Management  

• Cooking on a Budget  

• Household Budgeting 

Keep a look out for our upcoming courses being advertised on the Progress Futures Facebook pages and on the website. 

If you would like to attend any future courses, or have any suggestions, please email futures@progressgroup.org.uk or call 07976 812 535 or 03333 204 555.   

Project SEARCH 

Our Year 3 Project Search interns completed their supported internship programme in June and what a fantastic year they had!  The interns completed placements in a variety of areas of the business including Compliance, Facilities, Audit and Assurance, Property Services, Progress Futures, Housing Operations and People team. 

Colleagues from Progress Housing Group joined the interns, their friends and family to celebrate at the Graduation Event at South Ribble Council Civic Centre.  

We wish the interns all the very best with their future employment journey and thank them for their hard work and dedication to the programme throughout the past year. 

The Year 4 interns began this year's programme on the 10 September, and we look forward to welcoming them into the business to begin their rotations in November. 

Brighter Futures 

We were thrilled that our Brighter Futures programme was awarded Recruitment Campaign of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards in June.   

Brighter Futures offers tenants and household members the opportunity for a 6 month paid work placements working 25 hours per week, which is paid at National Living Wage. Throughout 2024 - 25 we will have a further 5 vacancies available for our tenants to apply for.  

The placements offer tenants a valuable opportunity to gain skills and experience in a variety of service areas across the business.  Previous placements have been in the following areas: Recruitment, Lifeline, Customer Contact, Marketing and Property Services.   This year we have opportunities within RWP Performance and Planning, Housing Operations, Tenancy Sustainability and the Technical Services teams.

Jodie joined our Marketing and Communications Team earlier this year. 

Nykkie Burrell, Head of Marketing and Communication at Progress Housing Group, said: 

‘Jodie has brought a fresh perspective, particularly in terms of Tenant Voice and lived experience. Her contribution has made a real difference and we have appreciated her sharing ideas to influencing how we can do things for the better. 

Thank you to Progress Futures and Community Investment Fund for supporting and funding the initiative, and, of course, a huge thanks to Jodie for her enthusiasm, commitment, and invaluable contribution over the past four months. ‘ 

We currently have another exciting opportunity for someone to join us through our Brighter Futures initiative as a Tenant Sustainability Administrator.

This is a paid work placement for 6 months, where you'll gain hands-on experience within an administration role in social housing and make a real impact. Find out more and apply by 29 September via: Recruiting now - Brighter Futures | Progress Housing Group (progressgroup.org.uk)

If you are interested in finding out more about Brighter Futures click here: www.progressgroup.org.uk/progress-futures/support-with-training-and-employment/ or email futures@progressgroup.org.uk to find out about our current Brighter Futures opportunities and to access support in applying. 

Job Clubs 

Progress Futures job clubs are held on a weekly basis, free to attend and open to all members of the community.  

We offer access to laptops, Wi-Fi, tea, coffee and support from the team should you need it. 

• Tuesdays 10am to 12pm – The Paddock Room, Civic Centre, South Ribble Council offices  

• Wednesdays 10am to 12pm - The Place Community Centre, Royal Avenue, Wade Hall, Leyland 

• Thursdays 10am to 12pm - The Base on Broadfield II Community Centre, Bannister Drive, Broadfield, Leyland  

• Fridays 10am to 12pm - Fylde Family Hub, Chapel Walks, Kirkham 

• For more information regarding the job clubs, please contact the team, or feel free to come along and see us at one of the sessions.