‘YOU’RE HIRED’ - TWENTY NEW APPRENTICES SECURE NEW JOBS » Housing » 24dash.com

Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) has recruited 20 new apprentices on to its exciting development programme to nurture skills for the future.

They were chosen from more than 600 hopefuls following a rigorous selection process and will work in our Technical and Office based teams. Trade apprentices completed an aptitude test as well as a practical test and interview. Fifteen were then selected and will be training as plasterers, electricians, plumbers, joiners, bricklayers and gas fitters.

Daniel Withington, Apprentice Bricklayer said:
I always wanted to do an apprenticeship because I wanted a career, the jobs Id worked in previously didnt have the opportunities I wanted. I was really happy when I found out Id been accepted, it was quite a long process but I cant wait to just get out and start working.

James Thourgood, Apprentice Electrician added:
WDH is a big company so its a great opportunity. Its really surpassed my expectations.

Following on from the success of last years scheme, WDH has continued its partnership with Wakefield Council and Future Wize, who will be providing some of the training for the apprentices.

Kate Radovanovic, Employee Development Manager says:
Its great to welcome the new apprentices. It is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved and is a fantastic benefit to the organisation. It brings in new talent to the company, helping us to meet our vision. I wish them every success.

The office-based applicants took a written communications test and faced tough interviews for their places. Five were selected and will study their apprenticeships in the Human Resources, Communications, Planning and Performance, Technical Services and Regeneration departments.

Sasha Timson, Apprentice in the Communication Team said:
I found the whole process really professional, I didnt think Id been accepted because it was quite hard, so when I found out I had, I was really pleased. The induction weeks been really interesting, learning about the history of the company. I wasnt sure if I wanted to go to university and study media, but this apprenticeship means I can learn about the media and earn at the same time.

Following on from the induction process, the new apprentices began their first week in the work place on Monday 11 August. They had already visited the sites where they are based.

As part of the training programme, the 20 new apprentices will be leaving their tool kits behind for a week and putting their team working skills to the test. They will be spending a week in September at Outwood Bound, Ullswater in the Lake District participating in activities such as caving, rock climbing and abseiling.