You’re Hired! Helena Apprentices Meet TV Show Star

Published by Ashley M for Helena Partnerships in Communities and also in Education

New apprentices at North West housing association Helena Partnerships received a surprise dose of inspiration when a celebrity entrepreneur dropped into their induction.

Former social housing tenant Adam Corbally, who starred in the last series of BBC1’s The Apprentice, met with Scott Wetton, Sam Ashman and Jade Campbell to share the story of his career journey from a fruit and veg stall to the top of the business world.  

Adam said: "The apprentices I met came from different walks of life but were all keen to make the most of the opportunity they’ve been given to learn a trade with Helena.

“We had a great question and answer session and I hope they got as much from it as I did.”

Painting and decorating apprentice Scott Wetton, 19, first came into contact with Helena in 2010 when he completed Evolution, the housing association’s intervention scheme for young people at high risk of developing a pattern of criminal behaviour.  After turning his life around, Scott stayed in touch with Helena and received support and guidance through the apprentice application and interview process.

Scott said: “Being a multi-skilled apprentice means I’ll get to do lots of different jobs and now that we've finished our induction I can't wait to get stuck in.

“I’m still working out what my long term plans are but this feels like a positive way to get started.”

Market trader and businessman Adam Corbally was the special guest at Helena’s Your Space Market Place event, which aimed to encourage tenants to find out more about the key priorities laid out in Helena’s new corporate plan, A Place For Everyone. Helena has pledged to invest heavily in opportunities for young people, including the creation of a new apprenticeship for every £1 million it spends over the next five years.

The housing association has also signed the National Housing Federation’s North West Apprenticeship Pledge, promising that at least 5% of its workforce will be made up of apprentices by the end of March 2013.  The pledge is set to create 435 new apprenticeships across the region, with 250 of those delivered by Helena and its partners within the Airport Group alliance.

To find out more about Helena’s plans for the next five years, visit www.aplaceforeveryone.co.uk.