Apprentices in Housing - You're Hired!

mhs homes has taken on two apprentices as part of the Medway Council 100 in 100 campaign. The council has joined forces with the National Apprenticeship Service to launch the Medway campaign, aimed at increasing the number of businesses in Medway offering apprenticeships.

mhs homes was among the first of Medway Businesses to join the local councils challenge to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days. The housing association appointed Jessica Haslam (17) and Elise Cooper(18) as Business Administration and Customer Services Apprentices respectively. Other employers to have joined the scheme range from engineering and construction companies, to decorators, hairdressers, doctors' surgeries and nurseries
 
The challenge which was launched in May to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days and has seen more than 70 Medway businesses and organisations pledge to take on nearly 150 trainees.

In the current economic climate there is growing concern that young people will find it increasingly difficult to enter the labour market, when competing with more experienced adults. Skills development and apprenticeships have recently been identified as key priorities for Government. Numerous employment programmes have created job opportunities for young unemployed people, and while the impacts are proving to be positive, sustained employment remains an issue. Apprenticeships have been highlighted as a key route into employment for young people.

Medway Council recently held an event to celebrate the success of the campaign at which new apprentices spoke about their experiences and their new roles.

Jessica Haslam who left Walderslade Girls School the day after her interview at mhs homes said, ”When you got for a job employers are usually looking for experience but if you haven’t worked before, then there isn’t any. At the end of my apprenticeship I will have gained some experience and I will have a recognised qualification – an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.

Eighteen year old Elise left Rainham School for girls in July after completing her A levels. She said, “I was looking for a full time job and I went to Connexions. I got a job doing waitressing while I was looking for a career and hadn’t really thought about doing an apprenticeship. Although I had seen the mhs homes logo about, I really didn’t know anything about Housing Associations. I am now working in Customer Service. It’s quite different from what I imagined. There is a lot of information to take in to help us provide a good customer service, and  a lot to learn but I love it. 

Colin McCarthy, Head of HR at mhs homes said, “We are delighted to have been able to offer Jessica and Elise apprenticeships. We will provide them with the relevant experience so that they can develop professionally and I am confident that with their enthusiasm they will both be successful.  Apprenticeships are normally offered to people aged between 16 and 24, but the 100 in 100 scheme is open to anyone and offers the chance to gain a recognised qualification while earning a wage. This is one step in mhs homes aim to reduce worklessness in the local community with further initiatives being planned in the forthcoming months.’ 

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Rodney Chambers said: “Speaking from experience as an apprentice, I know exactly how valuable apprenticeships are for people who want to gain skills and get ahead and for businesses who are looking to benefit from new talent.
 
“I’m pleased to see so many Medway businesses getting involved with this campaign. We really are committed to driving up economic growth here in Medway and giving both businesses and trainees the tools they need to grow, develop skills and succeed."

(November 2011)