‘Firm Foundations’ offers opportunities for unemployed adults to learn new skills in plastering, tiling and painting & decorating, alongside health and safety and personal development training. The aim is to help adults move into full time training and employment by providing them with a package of support.  The programme has already proved very popular with PEMB receiving new enquiries every day.   The programme is being delivered from a converted council flat, which is earmarked for demolition in the longer-term.  Plymouth City Council have kindly granted the use of this space for training purposes. 

Linda Gilroy MP said: “The work that Pembroke EMB have done on the housing in this area is fantastic and it is brilliant to see those same talents now being used to help with employment and training. It is really exciting to see the community working together for each other, and I wish them every success” 

The programme is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership.  Both of these organisations are concerned with improving the skills of adults and reducing unemployment. 

Pembroke Estate Management Board is a Social Enterprise based in Devonport.  Delivering a range of services which contribute towards the Sustainable Communities agenda, PEMB have been committed to maximising training and employment opportunities for local people since its original inception as a community group in 1987.  Operating as a company since 1994, PEMB manages the Pembroke St Housing estate in Devonport, along with a comprehensive youth service and a contract maintenance service.  Training opportunities in construction skills and horticulture for both young people and adults is an important part of the services offered.  

14 March 2008