Member Article

‘Giz a job’ plea lands Scotswood work

Marching onto the construction site at The Rise in Scotswood, Douglas Arkle boldly asked “Giz a job.”

And – just like the Yosser Hughes character in the 1980s drama, Boys from the Black Stuff - his direct approach paid off.

Douglas, 54, who used to live in Scotswood before his home was demolished to make way for redevelopment, was taken on as a general labourer at the site where the first 377 of 1,800 new homes are now under construction. He said: “I remember the TV series with the Yosser character and his determination to find work.

“I was employed at Scotswood during the site preparation but faced the dole as that job came to an end. So I thought I had might as well have a go and see if the builders could use anyone to help when the houses went up.

“I walked to the site office with my cv and just asked them to ‘Giz a job.’ To be honest I was a bit surprised when they said yes but I am very grateful. It is ideal for me. It meant I was only out of work for about three months before I got started here. Now I have something pretty much on the doorstep. I can walk to work in about 10 minutes.”

Douglas, who now lives in Provost Gardens, Benwell with his wife Julie has spent 14 years working in the building trade in various labouring roles. He added: “It is great to have work on a project which is improving an area I know well.”

Andy Dawson, Project Manager with Barratt Homes, who gave Douglas his break, said: “He is certainly a trier and a worker. He came to see me the day our cabin went on site, which was too early to make any employment decisions. But he kept coming back, bringing a good cv, good experience and good references. Eventually I was able to offer him a job and he’s not looked back since.”

Although Douglas’ direct approach paid off, he had received guidance from and the backing of Newcastle Futures - an initiative which is helping locals to explore job opportunities.

The Rise is one of several sites across the city that are part of a targeted recruitment and training project run by Newcastle City Council where jobs and apprenticeships are secured for local residents through the use of planning agreements or conditions and by placing clauses in council contracts. To date six trades, a business administration and catering apprentice have secured placements at or near the site as a direct result of the initiative.

For more information, contact Geraldine Cunningham, Local Economic Development Officer with the city council on 0191 211 5694 or email geraldine.cunningham@newcastle.gov.uk

The Rise is the biggest single site, housing led redevelopment project in the North of England. Over the next 15-18 years it is expected to grow to become a sustainable community of up to 1,800 homes.

The £265 million venture is being driven by the New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC) – a public/private joint venture comprising Newcastle City Council, Barratt Homes and Keepmoat Homes – with financial backing from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Set on the banks of the River Tyne, the 66 hectare site is bordered by Armstrong Road to the north, Whitehouse Road to the south, Atkinson Road to the east and Roberts Street/Muswell Hill to the west. Already 30 plots on the first phase have been reserved since sales launched in mid March.

Development plans include a neighbourhood centre, retail and commercial space, parks and public areas. The development will be criss-crossed by green corridors, linking it to the existing neighbourhoods. The homes will benefit from tiered gardens in order to make the best possible use of the naturally sloping site.

This eco-friendly community will have heating and hot water supplied from a local energy centre which will be operated by E.ON, providing a cost effective supply. The energy centre will ensure carbon emissions for a development of this size will be reduced by around 35% - a figure which would rise once plans to upgrade it to an electricity generating site are actioned.

The sales offices which are located off Whitehouse Road, Newcastle, NE15 6EP are open daily from 10am till 5.00pm. Alternatively information can be found at www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.keepmoat.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .