Working Herts is a "Social Enterprise", a charity that seeks to help people save fuel, make their homes warmer, reduce the incidence of cold-related illnesses and combat climate change. It does this in an original and very effective way by recruiting and training unemployed young people to insulate homes, giving them practical skills whilst on the job, and then helping them find permanent employment. Each team has its own crewbus and skilled team leader.
The idea was developed at Hertsmere Borough Council in 1997. The Council were concerned at the poor energy efficiency of their housing stock and also by the difficulty young people without qualifications experienced in getting a job. The social enterprise that emerged from these ideas has since grown to cover the whole of Hertfordshire, now also works in several areas of North London, and has expanded with a second office in Luton - "Working Luton". Link to areas where we work.
Working Herts does work for private householders throughout its areas of operation, as well as for Hertsmere, Welwyn Hatfield and Luton Borough Councils, and several Housing Associations including Aldwyck and Ridgehill.
Income earned from the practical work is channelled back into the training programme, enabling trainees to receive a high level of training and close support whilst at work. This "learn by doing" approach to training has been praised by the government's Adult Learning Inspectorate, who in their annual report for 2005 nominated Working Herts as "one of the best training providers in the country"
Working Herts gained "Investors In People" accreditation in 2004.
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