The purpose of this paper is to document a unique, holistic approach to skills development which succeeds on a number of levels.
The project's objectives are achieved through a structured “Community Project Challenge” programme, led by Echelon's consultants. This programme involves staff from Festival Housing Group who, in turn, involve pupils from local schools.
The Echelon/Festival Housing Group approach to developing skills experientially has impressive benefits to individuals, the organisation, local schools and even a school in Africa.
This programme provides: the practical managerial/supervisory knowledge and skills required to operate a Housing Association effectively and efficiently; opportunities for Years 10 and 11 pupils at secondary school to not only learn practical skills but also to gain work experience; job and career opportunities for school leavers; and opportunities for using these skills in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.
This paper describes a unique – and highly successful – approach to skills development which works on a number of levels: providing management/supervisory skills development for Festival Housing Group staff; property maintenance skills for school pupils, careers opportunities for these pupils and provides CSR benefits through putting these skills to use in the developing world (Kenya).
