At Vico Homes, we believe in building more than just homes, we build futures.
Our mission is rooted in creating opportunities for people to thrive, and our Training for Employment (TfE) programme is a key part of that commitment. Designed to help unemployed adults living in our homes return to work, TfE offers up to 12 months of paid employment, training, and tailored support to help you take meaningful steps toward a long-term career.
After 10 years in car sales, Craig knew something had to change. The long hours, high stress, and lack of work-life balance were taking their toll especially after he became a dad.
He said: “At that time, I was living at home with my parents. I didn’t have any kids, no partner or anything, so it looked like really good money. But it was stupid long hours, no lifestyle. Then I had kids, I’ve got three now, and I just decided I was done.”
Craig had always wanted to work in the trades. His original dream was to become an electrician, and he even paid for his own courses and worked as a Sparky’s mate for a year.
But when the job ended, so did his training.
That’s when he was introduced to our TfE programme. Sarah, our Community Employment Advisor who works closely with the TfE team, had been speaking with Craig since July, encouraging him to consider the opportunity.
Craig began his journey as an Environment Assistant in the fencing team. Although he had some experience, the role pushed him to learn new skills and work at a higher level. He said: “I’d done a bit of fencing before, but not to that extent. We were CAT scanning and everything. It was a little bit more technical, and it was all great experience.”
Craig’s time in fencing was short but impactful. After just three months, he secured a permanent role as a General Labourer on the Capital Works team, working closely with our contractors. From there, he progressed into a Handy Person role, another step toward his long-term goal.
Training for Employment
Find out more and apply!He said: “The Handy Person role is for joinery finishing which means I’m working with the Joiners here, which is what I want to do in the long run anyway. I’ve already requested to do my joinery training through my line manager, and they said there would be no problem looking at getting me progressed through that as soon as possible.”
Craig credits the TfE team for helping him every step of the way. He said: “They were fantastic while I was with them, I can’t fault it. They were non-stop, coming out once a week, checking on us, making sure we were enjoying it.
“When I was looking into the permanent role, Sarah helped with mock interviews, going through all the possible questions that could come up with me. I was so overly prepared for that interview, but I smashed it at the end of the day.
“They’re still checking in to see how I’m getting on now. If I need anything, I know they’re still there to support me with anything that I need to help me go even further here.”
Craig’s journey is a testament to the flexibility and progression offered by the TfE programme: “There’s a perception that if you start in fencing, you stay in fencing. That’s not my experience in any way, shape, or form.
“You’re prepped for the actual company while doing a job. You’re getting amazing experience all while earning a wage, to me that's the definition of earn whilst you learn.”
Our TfE application process begins with a site or office visit and assessment. Successful candidates complete a day of training relevant to the role, including health and safety modules for site-based roles and basic admin functions for office-based roles.
A formal interview follows, and selections are made based on performance, attendance, and attitude. Many participants, like Craig, go on to secure permanent roles with us.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a new career, Vico Homes is ready to support you. Applicants must be 19 or older, unemployed, and living in a Vico home. Roles available include:
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Environment Assistants – installing fencing, renewing footpaths, concreting, jet washing, and painting.
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Caretaking/Cleaning Assistants – maintaining communal areas and office facilities.
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Business Support Assistants – office-based admin and customer service roles.
There are no formal qualifications required for our Environmental and Caretaking roles, just basic English and Maths skills, and the will and determination to succeed. For our Business Support Assistant role, we require a Level 2 qualification.
Each position is up to 30 hours per week and vacancies are advertised throughout the year. Site-based roles may involve working outdoors in all weather conditions and handling heavy materials and machinery, while office-based roles focus on administrative duties.
If you'd like to be considered for the programme, please contact the Community Employment Team on 01977 788825, by email or complete our Expression of Interest form.