We caught up with some of our apprentices past and present this National Apprenticeship Week, 7 February to 13 February 2022, to highlight how they are supporting the community and working towards a promising future in the housing industry.
Our latest cohorts, who joined the company in March and September 2021, are all from the Wolverhampton area and aged between 17 and 24. They are undertaking bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and gas apprenticeships, of between two and four years.
They are gaining hands-on experience shadowing trades colleagues, some of whom are former apprentices who have qualified and secured rewarding careers with us. The apprentices are also enrolled at Wolverhampton College where they are studying for their chosen accreditation.
Tia, aged 21, who is completing a two-year bricklaying apprenticeship said:
“I’ve lived in Wolverhampton all my life and it’s a great feeling giving back to the community, with lots of my friends and family living in a home that’s managed by Wolverhampton Homes.
“I’ve been welcomed into the organisation with open arms, and I’ve valued the guidance from experienced trades people.
“I hope to inspire others to apply for future apprenticeships as they are a great way to network and learn on the job.”
Alex, aged 23, is a qualified Plumber and apprenticeship coach:
“I joined Wolverhampton Homes as an apprentice in 2017 and never looked back. I appreciated the guidance from my mentor and as a result have become highly qualified. I’m lucky enough to have supported the community with our repairs service ever since.
“I’m now a mentor and enjoy helping those new to the trade. I wish our new apprentices all the best while they are building their future with us.”
Through our successful apprenticeship programme, we are working with the City of Wolverhampton Council and its partners as ‘One City’. Our mission is to tackle youth unemployment in Wolverhampton, empower young people to unlock their potential, and provide opportunities for early talent to flourish.
Shaun Aldis, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Homes said:
“Developing local talent is key to our vision of unlocking people’s potential through housing, skills and technology. Our apprenticeship programme has seen many young people in the city go on to secure permanent employment and we’ve gained some real talent.
“Our apprentices are paired with experienced colleagues, many of whom also started as apprentices. As a result, they are well looked after and given the programme’s successful track record, become great assets to the company.”
In 2022, we are looking to take on apprentices, both trades and office. We are also finalising our graduate programme, creating more opportunities to join the team and support communities right across the city.
If you're interested in a future apprenticeship programme, express your interest: whomes.org.uk/apprenticeships