FIVE local housing trust residents have been taken on by their landlord as part of a wider initiative to help customers into work.

Kain Myatt and Grant Weedall, from Winsford, and Ashley Wells, Matthew Ayres and Tom Unwin, from Northwich, have joined Weaver Vale Housing Trust on a 12 month contract under its Customers into Work strategy.

The five men took up their posts in September and will be carrying out duties such as paving, fencing and groundwork as property trade assistants. All five have received training provided by Total People and gained certificates in Emergency First Aid at Work and asbestos awareness training and are now working towards NVQ level 2 General Construction.

Kain, aged 19, from Wharton, Winsford, said: “It is challenging but rewarding. I need to be shown things but I am enjoying learning on the job.”

Matthew, aged 19, from Greenbank, Northwich, added: “I am relishing the opportunity Weaver Vale has given me to learn new skills.”

As part of its 2020 Vision, Weaver Vale Housing Trust aims to get 300 or more of its customers into work in the next seven years.

Steve Jennings, chief executive of the trust, said: “Jobs are such an important factor in helping neighbourhoods succeed and remain a place where people want to live.

“I am delighted that these five young men have now found employment with the trust and I wish them every success in their new roles.”