KHT Apprentice of the year hopes to inspire school leavers

Published by philmc7 for Knowsley Housing Trust in Housing and also in Education

A KNOWSLEY Housing Trust (KHT) worker is hoping to inspire school leavers into work after being named as one of the best apprentices in the country.

Steven Dunn, from Haydock in St Helens, was named apprentice of the year by the Direct Works Forum, which honours housing association staff.

“I hope I can show people leaving school that working hard and doing things for yourself is important,” said Steven, whose job includes preparing empty properties for new KHT tenants.

The 20-year-old has been working as an apprentice with KHT for three years and previously studied at Carmel College in St Helens.

KHT manages over 13,000 homes across Knowsley, and is investing £30 million in 2010 in making Knowsley a better place to live by refurbishing existing properties and building new homes.

“I was really surprised to be nominated and even more so to win,” he added.

“I really wanted a career in construction and working with KHT gives me the hands on experience that you can’t get in a classroom. It gives you chance to get experience on the job.

“Apart from the technical information I’ve learnt lots about dealing with tenants, suppliers and contractors.”

The Direct Works Forum, which represents around 70 housing associations and local authorities that run their own construction teams, chose Steven as the winner from a list of 30 candidates.

“One of the main reasons we selected Steven as the winner was because of his excellent college report,” said Rodney Smith, Treasurer and Coordinator for the organisation.

“His tutor said he was the best student he had seen in 12 years. He is not only a very good worker, but a very fast one.

“Social housing is a massive user of labour for repairs and maintenance and we are the only organisation that offers landlords support in this area. Steven has done very well.”

Steven landed a £750 cash prize for claiming the award. His supervisor at KHT, Kevin Lawler, said he was a worthy winner.
“He’s a nice lad, and is very polite and enthusiastic,” said Kevin. “Best of all he is keen to learn.

“My first impression was that Steven was a very capable worker and he has progressed pretty comfortably through all the training. He can work on his own or with a team and is great dealing with people.”