News release from Wolverhampton Homes dated Monday 5 February 2024
Wolverhampton Homes manages and looks after more than 21,000 homes on behalf of the City of Wolverhampton Council.
The company is committed to helping make the city an even better place to live, providing good quality homes in well-connected neighbourhoods. Their mission is to help people get on in life, and they are doing this by supporting more local people into jobs, through training, development, and work experience including the offer of a number of apprenticeships.
Opportunities are offered for both trade and business apprenticeships, across the three directorates: Corporate Services, Homes and Communities and Property Services. An apprenticeship typically lasts between two and four years, with individuals gaining practical hands-on experience alongside formal college learning, providing a well-rounded start to a thriving career.
Many of their previous apprentices have gone on to gain employment, either with Wolverhampton Homes, or with other local organisations. There have been many notable successes with two individual apprentices winning awards at the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards. Connor Smith and Ravel Wallace, plumbing and gas apprentices, won Apprentice of the Year for the property and construction industries over consecutive years. This is a testament to their hard work, fantastic customer service and to the mentors who support them.
Ravel, second year plumbing and gas apprentice, said:
"I'm blown away by the support and encouragement I've received at Wolverhampton Homes. My life has drastically changed since leaving school, to being apprentice of the year and focusing on learning a new trade.
“If you enjoy hands-on experience and are stuck on which way to turn, I'd encourage you to look into an apprenticeship. It was the best decision I made."
Wolverhampton Homes also supports office-based apprentices. Chloe, previous housing administration apprentice adds:
"I've always known I wanted a career that would give back to the community and was thrilled to be offered an apprenticeship with Wolverhampton Homes. I was able to gain experience from across the business and I’m grateful for my mentors, who have supported me along the way.
“Last year, I was over the moon to secure a permanent position as a Tenant and Leasehold officer. I'm enjoying developing my skills and strive to live the company values, by putting customers at the heart of everything I do."
As part of its commitment to the City of Wolverhampton’s drive to reduce youth unemployment in the city, Wolverhampton Homes will open more early careers opportunities this year.
Shaun Aldis, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Homes said:
"We are immensely proud of the wonderful individuals that have joined us over the years through our early careers programmes. Many of them have gone on to secure permanent positions across the city, and some are still with us today as valued staff and mentors. As one of the largest employers in the city, we strive to support the City of Wolverhampton Council in developing local talent, and with our commitment to learning and development, ensure that our staff gain skills for life."
This year's early careers recruitment for apprentices will launch later in 2024. Register your interest and be the first to hear when the roles go live: www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/careers/
Wolverhampton Homes also offer their REACH work experience programme, with opportunities opening soon for young people looking to gain skills experience: www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/reach