Academi Adra takes centre stage at housing conference

Our employment and skills scheme  was discussed and shared at a housing conference this week.

The Academi Adra team took part in the One Big Conference held in Llandrindod Wells this week where they shared their experiences with conference delegates.

Academi Adra was launched in March 2021 to support people to develop new skills and access employment across north Wales. It focusses on developing skills and enhancing job prospects through apprenticeships, work placements, graduate placements and training schemes.

To date, 125 individuals have been supported to gain training and/or work experience; 19 people have gained work experience and 30 supported with apprenticeships.

During the conference, the Academi Adra team gave a flavour of some of the construction and customer services courses that have been held.

They also highlighted a number of campaigns, including Not Just for Boys, a campaign to encourage young women to consider a career in the housing and construction sectors, as well as Iaith ar Daith (Language on Tour), a Welsh language roadshow for north Wales secondary schools with blogger, influencer and presenter Ameer Rana Davies.

Elin Williams, Adra’s Head of Community Services, said: “It was a great opportunity for us to showcase Academi Adra’s work to a national audience and an honour to be invited to take part.

“We took the opportunity to highlight some of the local challenges facing people, including seasonal employment, fuel poverty and unemployment; as well as the lack of experience, skills and support.

“They were the key drivers to us starting the scheme in Adra, reflecting our commitment to supporting people and communities to thrive and to make a long term, positive impact on reducing inequalities within society.

“We feel that Academi Adra is having a positive impact on people’s lives by providing the opportunity to learn new skills, to access jobs and to have the experience that will assist them in the longer term”.