Riverside provide more than just housing. We aim to transform lives by going the extra mile and making sure you have support and information you need, especially when it comes to helping our tenants secure a job and learn new skills.

In the last year the Riverside Employment and Training Team in Cumbria has helped 94 local residents into employment through local job clubs, one-to-one meetings. The team also work in partnership with local partners to provide on the job training.

ISS Facility Services Landscaping (ISS) have provided grounds maintenance services to Riverside for ten years. As a result of this long-term partnership they have been able to work with us to develop a training programme which gives Riverside tenants and residents an opportunity to skill up and be ready to apply for seasonal Grounds Maintenance positions with ISS.  

The two week training programme covered all aspects of Health and Safety as well as practical elements such as use of tools like hedge cutters and ride on lawnmowers. A three day work placement was included so the trainees had the opportunity to practice their new skills.

Craig Hunter, ISS Regional Operations Manager said “This programme has helped  eight people to learn the basic skills required for a grounds maintenance job as well as giving them the opportunity to show us how they work.

The project has clearly demonstrated that working together can be mutually beneficial for Riverside and ISS Facilities and most importantly has given us the chance to offer real work opportunities to local people.”

Kerry Glaister, Project Team Leader, Employment & Training for Riverside added ” Sometime it’s hard for people to show an employer what they can do when they have no experience. This training addresses that and well as giving people improved confidence as they learn new skills. We are delighted to have helped our tenants find a new direction in their lives.”