Academi Adra wins a prestigious award
Adra housing association is celebrating after its skills and employment initiative won the Resident Support/Advice Programme category at the TPAS awards in Cardiff.
The National TPAS Cymru Good Practice Awards 2023 have been set up to share, recognise and celebrate the fantastic work carried out by housing organisations and tenants in communities.
Launched in February 2021, Academi Adra brings together the range of opportunities that can be provided through Adra and its partners to help tenants, and those living within communities, to develop skills and find employment. Working with partners, Academi Adra offers work experience, work placements, apprenticeships, traineeships, volunteering and much more.
Working in partnership
It has successfully worked in partnership with more than 20 external organisations and contractors to date. The partnership consists of Adra, Procure Plus, Gwaith Gwynedd, JobCentre Plus, Welsh Contact Centre Forum, Richmond Bright, Citizens Advice, North Wales Training, Grwp Llandrillo Menai., GISDA, DU Construction Ltd, WF Clayton & Co Ltd, Wynne Construction, NWRC, Kickstart, Welsh Government, HM Prison & Probation Service, Careers Wales, Mon CF, GH James Cyf and Williams Homes (Bala). A number of courses have been held, including 6 ‘Construction Pathway’ courses, supported housing course and a customer service course with the Welsh Contact Centre Forum and Welsh Government.
To date:
- 98 individuals have been supported to gain training and/or work experiences
- 77 have gained access to training
- 30 supported with apprenticeships
- 12 have been supported into jobs with Adra or its contractors
- 8 have gained paid work experience
- 3 individuals, two of which are Adra tenants, have been offered full time jobs in Adra’s Customer Services team following training through the Academi.
Academi Adra is about providing an opportunity for all, and breaking down barriers to ensure that everyone can succeed. A campaign recently took place to encourage more young women to join the construction and housing industry. Over 65 girls from Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, Penygroes had a taste of working in the field of construction as part of an event called ‘Not Just for Boys’. Adra led this event together with Chwarae Teg, a charity that inspires, leads and implements gender equality in Wales.
Sarah Schofield, Adra’s Director of Customers and Communities said: “We’re delighted that Academi Adra has won such a prestigious award at the TPAS Awards this year, and that all the hard work has been recognised nationally. We have made a commitment to support our tenants and communities.
“Academi Adra is making a real difference to people’s lives, we’ve help to build confidence, give training and experience as well as open doors. We’re really proud of the progress they have made and the difference they are now giving back to other tenants.”
If you are interested in taking part in Academi Adra, please contact cymunedol@adra.co.uk.