ONE of the world’s leading metal recyclers, EMR, which has a site in Marske, has joined forces with East Cleveland Youth Housing Trust (ECYHT), a charity which aims to improve the lives of young people in the area by providing training and personal development.
As part of the partnership, EMR has sponsored four apprentices through ECYHT’s two year programme which provides young people, aged 16 to 25, living in the rural communities of East Cleveland, with local training opportunities through paid building-related work.
The charity tasks their apprentices with renovating a building and trains them in specific skills including joinery, plumbing, fitting windows and kitchens and installing facilities for disabled people, such as ramps and toilets. Once complete, the charity offers the building as affordable, supported living to young people who are in need of housing.
EMR’s sponsorship of ECYHT will pay for the training of four apprentices, their qualifications and provide a tool box and tools, relevant to the apprentice’s chosen trade.
Luke Ditchburn, EMR Area Manager, said: “Our company puts a great deal of importance on supporting the communities close to our sites and we are very happy to be helping ECYHT, which makes such a difference to the lives of young people throughout East Cleveland.
“The charity really stood out to us because they have a two-pronged approach to supporting young people by providing affordable housing and giving them the chance to build a brighter future for themselves through on-site, trade-specific training.”
Andy Pettersen, ECYHT Social Business Manager, said: “The timing of EMR’s support could not have been better as we have recently begun work on a new ‘Constructing Communities’ housing project. The tools and equipment EMR is providing will prepare these local young people with the skills needed for a career in construction.”