New training opportunities at Servite

Four new recruits began their housing careers this week, as part of a new training programme at Servite Houses in London.

The trainees will spend the next nine months doing a mixture of room work and projects in the field, with two days a week intensive support from external trainer, Steve Michoux, before they become Housing Officers or Sheltered Scheme Managers.

Jake Francis, one of the trainees, said: "I was working in the hospitality industry before I came to Servite, but I’ve always been interested in housing and social issues. The first week has been a lot to absorb but I’m really enjoying it. There’s lots of opportunity to get experience in so many things, from incomes to anti social behaviour, so I’m really looking forward to some new challenges.”

Applicants did not have to have a degree or any experience in housing. HR manager, Sinead O’Neill, said: "We wanted to attract the biggest possible pool of applicants and the most important thing is a can-do attitude and the desire to pursue a career in the sector.”

Servite Chief Executive, Matthew Fox, said: "Recruitment to the housing sector is an ongoing problem and Servite is doing everything we can to tackle that. We’re really excited to have the new trainees here and we think this programme will give excellent people the opportunity and support they need to develop their skills and make a real contribution to Servite.”

Each of the trainees has a mentor within Servite, who will help them decide which part of the business they’re interested in and put together a structured programme of work for them to follow.

Servite are currently extending the programme across the country, recruiting two more trainees in Merseyside and the Midlands.

Ends

Press release issued: March 3 2006.