Putting skills on the agenda at CIH 2018
Alder Training and Positive Footprints, both part of The Regenda Group, delivered a fantastic presentation on the role housing associations can play in education at the Charted Institute of Housing (CIH) Conference in Manchester last week.
The conference sees industry leaders, politicians and a range of stakeholders descend on Manchester to discuss all things housing and the session was well attended.
Louise Harris, Managing Director of Alder Training, and Lesley Burrows, Managing Director of Positive Footprints, delivered a fantastic presentation followed by an insightful Q&A session, which included praise from newly crowned CIH Housing Rising Star of the Year, Oliver Harling, who started out in housing as an apprentice.
Afta Thought and Backpack, drama-based training companies from Liverpool, helped bring the session to life, along with videos showcasing work from MD Productions and Positive Footprints.
Louise Harris, Managing Director of Alder Training, said: “I was delighted to speak at the CIH Conference and be able to share our plans for Alder Training and how we can work with the housing sector.
“We are currently launching a CIH accredited qualification and so it was a really good opportunity to demonstrate the benefits to leaders in the industry.”
Lesley Burrows, Managing Director of Positive Footprints, said: “Housing Associations have a fantastic opportunity to help shape the futures of children across the country and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to put skills and education on the agenda at this year’s conference.
“Positive Footprints enables housing groups to deliver a programme, in their local schools, which inspires children and raises aspirations, supporting young people as they learn about careers, and it was great to share the successes we have had.”
The following day Positive Footprints was joined by 60 children with fine singing voices and an array of samba drums and percussion instruments, from Flakefleet Primary School in Fleetwood.
Pulling in the crowds (including the minister for housing) with a great performance, the pupils and staff also talked about their experience of Positive Footprints’ Raising Aspirations programme.
The children then enjoyed a tour around the exhibition, being inspired by some of the modular houses and all the kind exhibitors (who showered them with treats!)
It was a hugely successful two days and a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the importance and ability of the housing sector to raise aspirations and improve life chances through education and training.