What is the scheme?
The Leicestershire Cares Work Placements provides placements with Plumbing Trade Supplies, a heating and plumbing company, for people wanting either to gain work experience or refresh their existing skills.
What does it do?
Under the scheme, Leicestershire Cares, a charity that brings business and charities together in the east Midlands, sets up two-week work placements with Plumbing Trade Supplies. The charity identifies people who have shown an interest in the scheme and arranges a meeting with the company. Plumbing Trade Supplies then sets up the work placements. The placements offered are usually warehouse or inventory roles, but occasionally administration placements are offered.
Why did it win?
The scheme has helped people who normally struggle to gain work placements, such as the homeless or ex-offenders, to gain experience in a supportive environment. So far, 32 people have been placed on the scheme, of which about two-thirds have gone on to find employment. The firm itself has employed two people who took part in the scheme, and a further 20 have gained work through its agencies.
What did the judges say?
Sarah Atkinson, head of information and communications at the Charity Commission, said: "It's a really sound small-scale employee scheme offering some good on-the-job training."
Finalist
Wates Giving and Wates Group with Changing Paths
