Experience meets youth as whg nurtures the next generation

Published by kerri smith for whg in Housing and also in Communities

Ambitious apprentices with enquiring minds are putting their burning questions to the Group Chief Executive and other senior colleagues at successful social housing provider whg.

Eight one-to-one question and answer sessions will take place across whg to mark National Apprenticeship Week (6-10th Feb).

Group Chief Executive Gary Fulford will meet electrical improver Jamie Probert, both of whom attended the same secondary school, now called Willenhall E-Act Academy. Jamie is keen to find out what is involved in the top role and hopes to gain an insight into Gary’s vision for whg.

Jamie, aged 19, said: “We’re from the same area and went to the same school and that’s really inspiring. You never know, in 30 years I could be whg Group Chief Executive!”

Scott Taylor, electrical apprentice, will interview Jane Preece, Director of Organisational Development, and plastering apprentice Chris Durbin will talk to Carole Wildman, Director of Regeneration and Development.

Chris is keen to find out how a housing development evolves from conception to completion as well as the impact whg can have on the health, welfare and employability of those who live in its homes.

Ryan Grosvenor and Peter Peakman, both plumbing apprentices, will sit down with Cliff Horrocks, Director of Asset Management, and Delivery Manager Nigel Harris respectively.

Ryan will ask Cliff about the range of responsibilities that come with owning and maintaining around 19,000 properties while Peter hopes to learn from Nigel, who started life as a plumber, how he progressed up the career ladder.

Plastering apprentice Craig Bentley will talk to Simon Williams, Voids Manager, about the day to day demands of his job and electrical apprentices Jake Gough and Adam Rogers will shadow Tim Rymond, Skills Centre Manager.

Audrey Clarkson, whg Work Based Learner Mentor, has arranged the pairings and said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to consider their future by taking inspiration from those who have led the way.”

“There are lots of positive role models across whg and it’s wonderful for them to share their experiences with the next generation. There are benefits both ways as I have no doubt it will be refreshing for Gary and the team to meet enthusiastic apprentices with fresh ideas and a new approach.”

Colleagues at whg’s Skills Centre, which delivers renewable energy and construction training, are taking part in a number of events to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

They exhibited at The Real Apprentice event at Banks’s Stadium on Monday and will host pupils from schools across Walsall today (Thursday 9th February) to introduce them to the construction trades.