Local apprentices transforming homes on their doorstep

Published by Gareth Holmes for Sanctuary Housing Association in Education and also in Communities, Housing

Three young residents from Sheffield’s Shiregreen estate have been recruited as apprentices by Sanctuary Maintenance to help transform nearly 40 homes in their neighbourhood.

The trio will work on modernising 37 properties in the area which will allow them to gain valuable on-the-job training and learn new skills while getting paid.

Shiregreen has successfully undergone a  £99 million regeneration by Sanctuary following the transfer of the 2,300 home estate to the Group in 2006, which has included refurbishing homes and major landscaping works.

The 37 properties being improved by the apprentices are in addition to the original programme after some homes on the estate became void and Sanctuary received requests for further works from residents.

Improvements include re-plastering, electrical rewiring, full central heating installation, kitchen and bathroom replacements and decoration throughout, allowing the apprentices to acquire new skills in some of the key areas of maintenance.

The apprentices - Matthew Powell, Connor Bamford and Kieran Trueman – said they were delighted to be handed the opportunity to secure employment and help play their part in transforming their estate.

Matthew, aged 19, said: “I have lived here all my life and it’s been great to see how things have changed in recent years.

“It does feel quite special to be involved in this and making a difference to the community in which I live.”

Connor, 20, added: “It’s a double win for us because not only are we seeing the difference our work is making locally, but as apprentices we are also learning new skills and developing ourselves.”

Kieran, 20, said: “Many of my friends and family live in Shiregreen and the refurbishment programme has already benefited them.

“As a Sanctuary apprentice I’m getting a lot out of it personally too in terms of improving my career prospects.”

The three apprentices were recruited by Sanctuary Maintenance, part of Sanctuary Group, which has been set up to carry out repairs and refurbishment work internally and to external customers.

Dennis Evans, Managing Director of Sanctuary Maintenance, said: “Sanctuary believes in creating employment opportunities for local people, which is why we are delighted to take on these apprentices.

“Their local knowledge is of value to us and we will ensure they learn and develop new skills throughout the programme.”

Sanctuary employs around 200 apprentices either directly or through its partners in a number of business areas, including finance, IT, business administration, health, social care, housing, maintenance operations and horticulture.