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Empowering tenants with new skills in our Community Trade Workshop

Written by Facility Management | Jun 3, 2024 2:11:59 AM

In a recent example of our deep and meaningful connection to the communities we serve, Programmed Facility Management joined forces with Uniting Care Kippax to deliver a Community Trade Workshop for Housing ACT.

The workshop was designed to equip tenants and community participants with practical skills, empowering them to tackle home maintenance tasks with confidence. 

On the day, the team demonstrated and gave information sessions on plastering, plumbing, electrical safety talks, carpentry and repairing of fly screens.

Mick Ryan, Programmed’s Service Delivery Manager and licensed plumber, giving a talk on Plumbing


A licensed plumber and electrician discussed common issues around the home, focusing on achievable and affordable solutions for the tenants and considering safety at all times. Interactive demonstrations followed, where participants were encouraged to get involved. There were great questions to answer, and participants walked away with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. Everyone then enjoyed a bite to eat, finishing with a community BBQ.

Uniting Care Kippax provided an excellent space for this workshop. Their Social Inclusion Coordinator, Allyn, built the props and brought the workshop together, providing an inclusive and empowering learning environment.


Ryan from Woodlands Industries giving an electrical safety talk


"This is a prime example of how organisations can unite to support the community," said Gregory Lackey, Programmed Social Inclusion Manager. "The workshop empowered individuals to learn new skills and fostered new connections within the community.”

Allyn, Uniting Care’s Social Inclusion Coordinator, shares, “What a great day that brought together social inclusion and community development. The impact this workshop provided was great. Greg and I can now see the significance of holding these Trade Day Workshops on an ongoing basis and will be excited to announce when the next Trade Day will be”.

Allyn, the Uniting Care Social Inclusion Coordinator, and former carpenter, running the interactive demonstrations


“UnitingCare Kippax has a long history of engaging with the community through various programs and events, building social inclusion, wellbeing, self-determination, and autonomy amongst community members," said Heli and Michael, management and CEO at Uniting Care Kippax.

"Our Emergency Material and Financial Aid Program (EMFA) strives to empower community members through innovative social inclusion activities, sharing knowledge and skills to increase people’s capacity to improve their lives.

Our Social Inclusion Coordinator plans and delivers a variety of social inclusion activities, such as the recent Trade Workshop, which we completed in partnership with the Programmed team.

We want to thank Programmed and their team for partnering with us on this great initiative, and we look forward to delivering more workshops with them”.