West Kent, like other housing associations, doesn’t just provide homes, we provide a host of other community services, including helping people to find work. We’re celebrating that work by supporting Communities that Work week.
Each year, housing associations spend £70m in training and employment support – the largest investor after the Department of Work and Pensions. In 2018, we :
- provided nine apprenticeships.
- supported 15 people into work, providing £49,904 cost saving in benefits.
- worked with other housing associations in Kent to provide PopUp Business Schools. These are free start-up events to help people start small businesses without spending money, and make a living doing what they love. In 2018, 98 people attended the workshops. More are planned this year, details are on our events page.
Pauline Smith, Training and Employment Officer runs our service which is open to all Kent residents, not just our tenants. She offers a bespoke service, providing a range of support and opportunities including help with CVs, interview skills training and work experience. 
Emily, a resident supported by Pauline said: “Thank you so much for all your support and advice – I have a career in admin after being offered a permanent role at interview. You empowered and encouraged me to reach my goal.
”Thank you for supporting me to volunteer at Citizens Advice Bureau –this gave me the experience and skills I needed to gain a career. Your support encouraged and motivated me to persevere and apply for vacancies until I was appointed to a position. It means a lot you listened to my goals and supported me on my career path”.
More details of our training and employment service can be found on the community services page. If you would like support, please email getinvolved@wkha.org.uk.