RHP boost youth employment

Published by Eddie for Richmond Housing Partnership Limited in Housing and also in Education

Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) is helping to create opportunities for their younger customers and local residents by offering a number of apprenticeships and work experience placements this year.

RHP hopes to increase work opportunities for their large customer base in Richmond and Hounslow by extending their existing scheme. RHP already offers an award-winning apprenticeship programme that provides an introduction to administration in housing services, communications, health and safety and facilities management. Each apprentice works toward an NVQ Level 2 and three have already secured permanent employment with the company.

Working in partnership with local and national organisations such as Way to Work and Fit for Sport, RHP is now offering further work experience to young people through its voids and lettings team, as well as an apprenticeship for those between 15-21 years with its Urban Academy social inclusion programme. This apprentice will work towards a nationally recognised sports coaching qualification.

From April, a further six apprenticeships  will we available through RHP’s Estate Services and Caretaking teams – based on estates around the borough and offering valuable experience of customer service as well as the chance to complete valuable Health & Safety qualifications.  A number of work experience opportunities will also be offered in partnership with its repairs contractor Mears Group Plc, who have also committed to supporting two apprentices.

Amina Graham, Director of Corporate Services at RHP, says: “We are committed to providing as many employment opportunities as possible for our customers and young people in the local area. We recognise how tough it is for young people to find work and want to set as many as we can up for a successful career. We will also be offering Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards from September onwards – another great way we can help people develop vital life skills.”

RHP is also offering a number of free training courses to customers over the coming months, such as Governance training and an accredited Community Work Skills qualification.

For more information on RHP, visit www.rhp.org.uk.