Social landlord Aspire Housing has merged with a Stoke-on-Trent training firm in a deal which could create 20 jobs.
The not-for-profit firm, which employs 370 workers in Newcastle, has brought Shelton-based Project Management Training into its structure in an undisclosed deal. Aspire's director of operations Will Nixon, who will become the new chief executive of Project Management, said there were plans to expand its reach across Newcastle, which could increase its workforce from 54 to 74 in three years.
Project Management, which turned over £2 million last year, has been running for 27 years and has put more than 5,000 young people into work.
Mr Nixon said: "There should be more jobs created as part of plans to grow Project Management's activities to cover the Newcastle area.
"At the moment, the company mainly works in Stoke-on-Trent.
"Part of their company is Homeworks, which includes a variety of work with properties, including painting and decorating and providing gardening assistance to elderly and disabled residents.
"Aspire is interested in growing that as part of the business, and we are intending to create more jobs as part of these activities."
Project Management delivers more than 500 training places for young people in North Staffordshire each year.
It has worked with more than 8,000 young people and it has arranged placements at 170 companies, including digger-maker JCB, builder Seddon and tourist attraction operator Trentham Leisure.
Mr Nixon said the company's ethos fits in well with Aspire, which turned over £25 million in the last financial year and is the registered landlord for 8,500 homes.
He said: "There is a lot of focus on young people who are leaving school without any formal qualifications or may be more inclined to vocational study.
"Project Management has been able to ensure positive progression for young people.
"We are very proud of that and we want it to continue across the whole of North Staffordshire."
Project Management operates using the German "Dual" system, where youngsters get three days of practical training and two days of confidence-building per week.
The company is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Sean Canavan, managing director of Project Management Training, said almost 70 per cent go on to get an apprenticeship or employment.
Mr Canavan, who is to retire after passing over the reins, believes the deal will allow the business to help more youngsters in the area.
He said: "I have never had a company come to me and ask for five A to C grades. They all want someone with a good attitude and good time-keeping, so that is what we give them.
"We instil a working spirit in them - that if you have got nothing to do, then pick up a brush and sweep up."
Alan Nixon, aged 39, managing director of J&S Seddon's building company, signed up to Project Management at the age of 16.
After less than a month, he had become a trainee draftsman and later moved to Seddon's, working his way to the top.
He said: "I have to be thankful that they found me somewhere to work.
"Everyone in the room was being trained and given a skill that enabled them to go and earn a living."
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Source: The Sentinel
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