(Pictured L-R, Kate Shone, Torus Foundation’s Managing Director, Cath Brooks and Phil Roberts Foundation Employment & Skills Advisors and Alison Brown, Maintenance Director, HMS. Front, Torus tenant Molly, HMS Apprentice.)

As the charitable arm of the growth and development Group, Torus, Torus Foundation is working to support tenants and the wider community with a varied programme of employment and skills support, ensuring people have access to opportunities which could expand their horizons and reach their full potential.

One of the most popular programme is the Women in Construction (WIC) training course, providing women with an opportunity to gain an insight into different aspects of the construction industry through a variety of hands-on and classroom sessions.

Since March 2019, the programme has given more than 50 women placements, with many participants going on to find paid employment or further training opportunities.

One of the successful participants is Molly, who after completing the WIC programme, made it onto a Torus Foundation six-month paid placement hosted by HMS, who was impressed with Molly’s work and recently welcomed her to the HMS team as a full time Apprentice Electrician.

Molly commented:

“Before coming to the Women in Construction sessions, I had never considered a career in construction, but the programme inspired me to look into what was out there.

“Torus Foundation and HMS have given me the confidence to try new things and explore my options in construction – and I’m so glad I did – I would recommend the programme to anyone as it really has opened doors I didn’t know were available to me and put my career on a path I never expected, but love!”

Kate Shone, Managing Director at Torus Foundation adds,

“Seeing Molly return after completing our Women in Construction programme, a placement and now accepted onto an apprenticeship is fantastic. The Foundation is delighted to witness what she’s achieved through her hard-work.

“The success of this course is strengthened by continued collaborate working with key partners such as HMS working to common goals by sharing expertise, skills and opportunities for our communities to thrive.”

The latest cohort of participants were visited by HMS’ Maintenance Director, Alison Brown, who joined in with some of the practical sessions.

Alison said:

“For me, it is vital that we continue partnering with Torus Foundation on Women in Construction as we still have a way to go in terms of equality in the sector. As a traditionally male-dominated industry, I think a lot of women don’t explore the opportunities available to them and it’s a shame as the skills and talents women have bring a whole new dynamic to the sector.

“At HMS, we are incredibly lucky to already have a number of driven, passionate and inspirational women working across the organisation, contributing to the business’ success, and I hope to see more of that throughout my time here.”

Despite the challenges brought by COVID this past year, the Foundation has been able to work with over 1100 people looking to return to the job market, change roles or upskill.

Over 400 people have been supported into work in the last year with another 400 people signed up on training courses and sessions.

Supported through funding from St Helens Chamber and City of Liverpool Colleges, the WIC programme is open to any Torus tenant aged 19 and over, living in Liverpool, St Helens or Warrington.

Recruiting for July’s WIC Programme

The next Women in Construction programme commences in July 2021 and is open to Torus tenants aged 19+. Spaces may also be available for non-Torus tenants, depending on capacity.

Interested? For further information, contact the Foundation’s Employment & Skills Team via info@torusfoundation.org.uk or 0300 123 5809 quoting ‘Women in Construction’.