Young Apprentices Complete Second Challenge

Published by Melanie Hughes for Trafford Housing Trust in Housing and also in Communities, Health

The young hopefuls taking part in Trafford Housing Trust’s ‘THT Apprentice’ have successfully tackled their second assignment – a rugby league challenge.

The 10 Trafford candidates were taken to the Salford City Stadium where they were informed of their task – to sell tickets for the Salford City Reds match against Widnes Vikings on Friday 20^th July.

After a morning stadium tour and light training session to get them in the mood, the two teams of contenders hit the streets, including visits to Stretford Mall and The Square in Sale.  By the end of the day they had sold nearly £1000 worth of tickets altogether, with Team Phoenix emerging victorious over Team Five Star by selling £491.02 worth of tickets compared to £468.29.

John Blackburn, of the Salford City Reds Foundation, said: “This project is a perfect opportunity to help young people learn some important life skills – and have some fun in the process. The two teams were both fantastic and their ticket sales were well beyond our expectations! We hope it will be a great night of rugby league entertainment.”

Salford City Reds were so impressed by the Apprentices’ success in this task that they have invited them to the Widnes Vikings game, where they will feature in the programme and will be invited onto the pitch at half time.

A local shopper who bought a ticket from the Apprentices in Tesco in Altrincham was also very impressed with their manner. Carol Curtis from Sale, said: “I was delighted to buy tickets from them and I am taking my nephew to the game for his fifth birthday. It’s also great to see local businesses working together to help young people develop the skills and experiences that will help them get into work.”

Colin McCrory, Stretford Mall Manager, said he was keen to support the Trafford Housing Trust project: “We are very happy to support projects like this one which gives young people in the community a great opportunity to broaden their work skills and life experiences.”

Diane Smith, manager of The Square, said: “The Square is pleased to support this initiative, which is doing something positive to tackle youth unemployment in Trafford.

“We hope the experience of meeting people in our shopping centre allows them to develop their communication and interpersonal skills, allowing them to make the most of this opportunity and begin a successful career with Trafford Housing Trust.”

The practical challenges will help candidates get a good understanding of the work that THT carries out, and the role that social housing plays in the community.

The final 10, four of whom are Trust tenants, are competing for five two-year apprenticeships with THT through a process structured in the style of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’.

The formerly unemployed youngsters, aged between 16 and 19, are more than halfway through their three-week challenge which will see their teamwork, leadership, planning and organisational skills put to the test.