Pipeline to Employment

Aston Group are committed to supporting our local communities by providing a pre-employment programme called Pipeline Into Employment, through a variety of pre-employment training workshops and courses, work experience placements, internships and apprenticeships. We appreciate that some people can find these types of courses daunting, and therefore fail to take up the opportunities on offer. If you are interested but are experiencing any fear or anxiety about taking part, please do contact us for a chat, as we will hopefully be able to put your mind at ease and can offer 1-2-1 bespoke appointments. Our sessions are designed to be fun ,helpful, down to earth, and easily accessible with friendly tutors in a very relaxed, informal environment. Don’t be put off by the unknown, let us help you achieve your goals, after all one conversation could change your life!

We offer FREE workshops on #CVWriting, #InterviewSkills#MockInterviews, and #JobSearch #JobApplication advice. Usually held at locations in Waltham Forest and Romford, these are currently being delivered virtually due to the Covid 19 social distancing requirements.

COVID – 19

In light of COVID-19, Aston Group is continuing to provide a service to our clients where social distancing guidelines can be maintained and where safe systems of works are secured. Our continuation of services is underpinned by Government guidance and in accordance with the site operations procedure – protecting your workforce by construction leadership council as well as the letter from the department for business, Energy & Industrial Strategy advising the continuation of construction works. Aston Group is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that we are aligned and measured in our approach to the situation which is therefore subject to constant and ongoing review of our stance in relation to the guidance.

Aston Group are committed to being able to provide critical services and statutory compliance in these unprecedented times to ensure that the safety of residents is put first and that they are secured.

Click the link below for more information:

Renovating and rejuvenating

Aston Group handed over the communal lounge at Dilwyn Court, a sheltered accommodation, last month. Staff from the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) as well a LBWF Ward Councillor attended. Cllr Mitchell said a few words with regards to the Grenfell Tower tragedy as it was the 2nd anniversary. She went on to say that Aston Group are updating all of the fire precautions within the building which includes doors, ceilings, paint, alarms and more.

Carlynne, Head of Sheltered Accommodation at Waltham Forest, said a few words about the project and had a lot of praise for Astons Group saying, all staff go the extra mile in their work.

More than half the residents attended together with a number of Waltham Forest Senior Management. Everyone was very impressed with the quality of the work and the fact that the programme was delivered on time and on budget! All the residents were especially impressed by the new layout of the lounge and with the new lights offering a WOW factor. One particular resident said that they loved the new kitchen and could not wait for their kitchen to be installed. An opportunity was given to all residents to view the kitchen units, oven and hob and installation dates were provided to everyone giving them plenty of notice before the refurbishment works commence within their own flat.

The opening event was very successful and everyone enjoyed themselves. Well done to everyone for their efforts and for pulling out all the stops.

Work experience works

Read about our latest work experience student , Georgia Walters, who spent a week in the office with our team. It gave her an insight into a real working environment and opened her eyes to the diverse world we work in.

My name is Georgia Walters I’m 15 years old, and I currently go to Frances Bardsley Academy school for girls, I’m doing work experience at Aston Group in Romford.

How did I find out about Aston Group?
My teacher, Miss Wood, helped me find a work placement at Aston Group. At first, when she told me about the place I was going to do my work experience at, I was a bit apprehensive, I was not sure how heating and the subjects I take at school come together! I am currently taking photography, geography and media studies (as well as the core subjects). I was a bit confused as to why she chose Aston’s for my work experience! I didn’t expect Aston’s to be what is it.

But now I can understand why! I came to the conclusion that they do much more than just heating. They are like a little community helping each other and also helping the outside community grow. That’s what I like about them. So far I have had a great time here, everyone is very welcoming, friendly and like to have a laugh every now and then and so do I. I was asked by my supervisor Rachel Statter if I wanted to do an article about myself also about my time at Aston’s, and of course I said yes ! I have always wanted be featured in an article but never had the chance to. Since I’m a media student myself I thought this would be a good idea and would help me in the future.

If you would like to find out more regarding a work placement or an apprenticeship visit http://astongroupuk.com/our-people/ or contact us on: recruitment@astongroup.co.uk

A brand new space for residents at Longfield House

Aston Group are currently working on three sheltered blocks within the Borough of Waltham Forest. Renovating the kitchens and bathrooms of the individual flats providing interiors that are dignified, personal and enabling. These projects showcase the work we do and the timescales we work to. The experience we have gained has given us a better understanding of how best to work with residents on an individual basis whilst meeting their needs and aspirations with the ongoing refurbishment work.

Longfield House was started on the 14^thJanuary with the initial site set up, the first stage was the installation of all the pipe work in the corridors with new heating pipe work and a new fire system.

We held consultation meetings with the residents at Longfield House to inform them of the process and involve them in choices. We complete the communal room first before starting in their flats, this makes a lovely place for residents to relax and use the communal space while flats are being refurbished.

The process is very tightly run, we open a flat on a Monday and close a flat on a Friday, this process works well with continuing communication between the residents and the on site RLO (Resident Liaison Officer).

Continuing to deliver quality for residents in Waltham Forest

Aston Group are very proud to announce our mechanical and electrical contract has been renewed with Waltham Forest Council. We now part of a strong collaboration with Morgan Sindall and look forward to working with them on the contract.

The renewal came after an extensive renegotiation process that identified efficiencies and improvements to the service which will mean a better service for tenants and greater value for money for the council.

Cllr Mitchell said: “Morgan Sindall and Aston Group, alongside the council, are committed to building a strong partnership to create a cohesive approach to serving our tenants and leaseholders. Ensuring all our residents have a decent roof over their heads is a top priority for the council – working with high-quality contractors such as Aston Group and Morgan Sindall helps us achieve this. Our ambition is to ensure that everybody in Waltham Forest enjoys a quality of life, that’s why we are committed to delivering a high level of service to our residents.”

Alan Thomas, Director at the Aston Group, said: “This tripartite agreement represents a great opportunity for us to work in a collaborative way providing a more efficient, joined-up service to tenants. It will not just cover repairs and maintenance but other areas of our contract including our commitment to social value programmes in the community.”  

A key part of the contract will be the creation of WalthamFUTURES, a social value initiative opening up training, work experience placements, pre-apprenticeships and employment opportunities for local residents of all ages and backgrounds.

https://walthamforest.gov.uk/content/waltham-forest-housing-takes-new-repairs-contractor