Apprentices experience tunnel vision

Published by Ben Patey for One Vision Housing in Housing

Five apprentices donned their hard hats recently, to take part in a rather different type of induction.
 
Over 800 people applied for apprenticeships at One Vision Housing, who were acknowledged as the number one company to work for in the Sunday Times Best Companies List 2012.

As part of their training, the five-some visited Williamson Tunnels in Edge Hill where they underwent a tour of the labyrinth of tunnels that were built by philanthropist Joseph Williamson in the 18^th century.

Williamson also built a lot of houses during this period, so this was more than just an excursion, but an education into housing through the ages.

One Vision Housing’s Resident Involvement Team organised the visit and arranged for 29 involved tenants to take part in the tour and share their housing experience with the apprentices.

One Vision Housing Resident Involvement Manager Ann Owens said: “The visit to the tunnels was a fantastic chance for our new starters to learn from some of our involvement tenants, all of whom have an extensive knowledge of the organisation and the history of social housing.”

Following the tour, there was a talk on Welfare Reform by Income Manager Kevin Appleton, and the chance to ask questions and integrate over a bowl of scouse.

Apprentice, Christian Chorley, 21 said: “I didn’t expect to me doing something like this in my first week but it was actually a really valuable experience and a great chance to start forging relationships with staff and tenants who I’ll be working alongside during my time at One Vision.”