Hundreds of Tameside residents receive accredited training qualifications

More than 220 people across Tameside have upskilled and received valuable learning qualifications through a range of training courses offered by a local housing provider.

The Jigsaw Employment Team (JET), part of Jigsaw Homes Group, has provided a wide range of educational opportunities for local residents and volunteers to complete Food Hygiene and Emergency First Aid Skills at Work qualifications. 

In Tameside, 127 people completed and passed the Food Hygiene course since April 2023, learning how to correctly handle food when storing and cooking and 94 people completed and passed the First Aid course, which taught basic workplace health and safety skills.

JET is running more training courses throughout 2024, including a brand-new Mental Health First Aid course.

Residents and volunteers can receive these qualifications online or in-person at the Jigsaw Homes Neighbourhood Hub at 1 Wellington Place, Dukinfield, SK16 4LE.

Recently, the team held a training course for 16 women from Women Seeking Asylum Together (WAST) achieved their Food Hygiene qualifications.

Eunice Manu, WAST Grassroots Co-Ordinator, said: “Providing the food hygiene training enlightened the women on the important principles of food hygiene. 

“They felt empowered, and they will be creating a safer and healthier environment for themselves and the WAST space where we meet and learn. We are looking forward to the next session.”

Alongside courses, the team also provides tailored support for tenants to help them gain the right skills towards employment and lifelong learning opportunities. They work in partnership with a wide range of providers to deliver services and workshops for cv writing, interview techniques, job searching, and even business start-up support. 

The Jigsaw Advice and Business Support programme provides small businesses financial support, alongside training and advice, to help them take the steps required to get their businesses up and running.

Former Special Educational Needs Advisor Jayshri Mistry was successful in receiving £500 towards her business Wellness by Jay – a holistic therapy service that uses a range of wellness treatments including sleep coaching, laughter yoga, Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT) and reiki, to encourage people to find natural and alternative ways to overcome their struggles and improve their overall wellbeing.

The grant from Jigsaw Homes has allowed Jay to develop her workshops further and create special sleep packs with products and informative techniques that can help attendees have a better night's sleep. 

Jay said: “I had a seamless experience when applying for my grant ; the application was easy to follow and I was even partnered up with a Business Advisor for advice and guidance.

“I was able to purchase a banner and leaflets with my grant which has really helped me to promote my business even further. I highly recommend that anyone just starting up should get in touch with JET – their support has been amazing.”

John McGlynn, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer at Jigsaw Homes Tameside, said: “JET has achieved a real milestone this year by ensuring a record number of Tameside residents have been able to increase their job opportunities through the accredited training courses we provide.  

“The range of services we provide mean we can offer extensive support to our residents, volunteers and members of the wider community and help them to thrive in their career progression and personal development.”

If you feel like you could benefit from the JET team’s help, please email employmentsupport@jigsawhomes.org.uk  or call 0300 011 1144  to find out more.