Housing association begins search for apprentices

Published by Richard Lord for Wakefield & District Housing in Education and also in Central Government, Housing, Local Government

Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) is marking National Apprenticeship Week by launching its search to recruit ten new apprentices.

Ambition, determination and a desire to learn new skills are just a few of the qualities WDH will be looking for in five trades and five office-based apprentices.

The five trades include two roofers, two ground workers and a horticulturist, while the five office-based apprentices can gain skills in housing, business administration and finance.

All ten apprentices will begin studying a qualification relevant to their field within their first month of joining and can expect plenty more learning, development and training opportunities during their three-year apprenticeships.

The recruitment drive is part of the Wakefield Apprenticeship Challenge – an initiative that aims to create an extra 100 apprenticeships across Wakefield in 100 days.

WDH Chief Executive Kevin Dodd said: “We are passionate about investing in the future, creating opportunities for local people and supporting the local economy.

“We have been taking on apprentices since March 2005 and we are excited to be offering ten more apprenticeships this year as part of the Wakefield Apprenticeship Challenge.”

Just recently seven hard-working youngsters who had impressed during their apprenticeships were given permanent jobs by WDH.

Steve Crow, Tom Harrison, Martin Hirst, Ben Morrill, Nathan Robinson, Jake Rimmington and Danny Withington were invited to WDH headquarters at Merefield House in Castleford, West Yorkshire, at the end of January to sign their contracts.

All seven tradesmen have been working with WDH and their construction partners since August 2008 to gain skills for the future while also studying for qualifications in bricklaying, plastering, mason paving and joinery.

During their time as apprentices they gained experience of working across all areas of the business. This included working on the site of Park Dale – the largest zero carbon housing development in the UK.

Working on such innovative and large scale projects helped develop and advance their trade skills alongside their academic studies.

In the second year of his apprenticeship, plasterer Tom Harrison, from Sharlston near Wakefield, won the West Yorkshire ‘SkillBuild’ – a large multi-trade competition for construction trainees and apprentices. It led him to the UK finals held in Anglesey,Wales, where he competed against others in front of a panel of judges.

Last year Tom repeated his achievement and made the national finals again – this time held in Leeds. Tom, 19, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship. I’ve had some good training and met some good people.

“The highlight for me was getting to two national SkillBuild finals, where I got to show my plastering skills in front of judges after winning the regional heats. I competed in Wales and Leeds and I feel like I’ve achieved something special.

“Getting a permanent job gives me more security and I feel like I’m better prepared for the future.”

Mr Dodd added: “It’s a great pleasure to work with young people from the district. They always impress us with their professional attitudes and we’re keen to invest in the next group of apprentices.”

If you are interested in applying for an apprenticeship with WDH, please check the vacancies page at www.wdh.co.uk.