First challenge set as young hopefuls take part in THT Apprentice

Published by Anonymous for Trafford Housing Trust in Housing

Thursday 5th July 2012 - 4:01pm

(left to right) Back row: Jack Mitchell (Urmston), Macauley Stephenson (Stretford), Matthew Armston (Sale), Vickram Chuni (Broadheath) and Laura Smith (Flixton). Front row: Amy Neild (Stretford),) Carley-Rae Bothwell (Flixton), Carrie Lenegan (Stretford)

ASPIRING young professionals, who are hoping to carve out a future career in social housing, are competing for five jobs on offer as Trafford Housing Trust launches THT Apprentice.

The 10 candidates, all from the Trafford area and four of whom are Trust tenants, will be recruited to the available roles through a process structured in the style of the BBC reality show ‘The Apprentice’.

The formerly unemployed hopefuls started the three week challenge this week (Monday 2 July) which will see them put their teamwork, leadership, planning and organisational skills to the ultimate test. They will also be given essential life skills to help them complete the programme and prepare them for employment.

Of the 10 young people, aged 16-19 years, five will go on to secure a two year apprenticeship with the Trust in the following areas - HR, IT, rents, customer involvement, regeneration and neighbourhood involvement.

Like the BBC programme, which is chaired by Lord Alan Sugar, the 10 candidates will be set a series of exciting challenges. The first task will see the group split into two teams and develop a two week work experience programme at the Trust for school leavers.

The practical challenge will help the candidates get a good understanding of the Trust’s work, the role of social housing and put their presentation skills to the test as they present their ideas to the Chairs of the THT Community Panels.

At the end of this first task, Trust Chief Executive Matthew Gardiner will announce the winning team and present them with a reward of Trafford Centre Vouchers.

Unlike the TV show, Matthew will not be saying the immortal words ‘You’re fired’. While five of the candidates will go on to secure employment, the remaining five will gain essential new skills and experience to help them find work.

Matthew said: “We’re delighted to welcome our candidates to the THT Apprentice, which has got underway this week with a real challenge which will help them get under the skin of the organisation and find out what we’re all about.

“They are a fantastic group of young people who are a credit to the local area. We look forward to getting to know them over the coming weeks and I wish them all the best of luck.

We have more exciting challenges prepared for the next couple of weeks to help us find the perfect candidate for each role. We hope the 10 hopefuls enjoy the next couple of weeks and make the most of their time with the Trust.”