Two Rivers apprenticeship scheme welcomes new starters

Published by Jenny George for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Two young people from the Forest of Dean have taken their first steps into employment as they start apprenticeships with one of the area’s largest employers.

The scheme, operated by Two Rivers Housing, sees the creation of two new apprenticeship posts in its Human Resources and Customer Services teams, with the possibility of a third post in Information Technology in the next couple of months.

Jemma Dowle, Customer Service Apprentice said: “I am pleased that I have secured this position as an apprenticeship at Two Rivers Housing in Customer Services. I have just got my A-level results and I’ve decided not to go to university; therefore I chose to get an apprenticeship. When I have completed the apprenticeship I hope to have achieved excellent communication skills, work experience, an understanding of how the business works plus an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Services. ”

Georgina Kelly, HR Apprentice added, “Before I became a Two Rivers Apprentice I was at Sixth Form College. I found A Levels a lot harder than GCSEs and after a year found that college wasn’t for me. I didn’t want to go straight to work with just GCSEs so an apprenticeship is perfect for me. I get to earn money and learn key business skills whilst doing an NVQ through Gloucestershire College. I feel really lucky to be a Two Rivers apprentice, especially at a time when so many young people are unemployed and University fees are increasing.”

Jon Coe, Director of Customer Services added: “There has been a lot of coverage in the media about the lack of opportunities and employment prospects for young people. We have found that by working with young people and offering them a variety of opportunities to get involved with community projects or work experience, we can support their aspirations and enable them to take a step towards a brighter future.”

The apprenticeships are just another part of the work Two Rivers is doing to offer local young people opportunities to gain better experience and “hands on” skills. Two Rivers is also supporting a two year work experience programme in construction with partner contractor ISG Pearce and local college, Royal Forest of Dean College (now Gloucestershire College). The company is also offering 20 full-time students at the college the opportunity to benefit from work experience with its in-house Repairs team over the coming months.