Member Article

Vela makes apprenticeship pledge

The Vela Group have pledged to help more young people into the workplace and to recruit more trainees to their apprenticeship scheme.

The Group, which encompasses both Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes, owns 17,000 homes in the Hartlepool and Stockton areas. They are now looking to provide new schemes to help create a new generation of skilled workers.

They are now working closely with Hartlepool College, Springboard and Connect to Work to establish the programmes, which can last up to four years.

Cath Purdy, Vela Group Chief Executive, said: “Housing associations are about much more than just bricks and mortar. As well as providing an affordable roof over people’s heads, Vela is committed to playing an important role is improving the lives of residents.

“Helping people gain skills, which opens doors to fulfilling careers, is crucial to the economic wellbeing of an area. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical experience and study for industry-recognised qualifications while earning a wage.

“This agreement demonstrates the Vela Group’s commitment to helping shape a future generation of skilled workers.”

In 2011, the Vela Group took on 24 young apprentices, who now work in a variety of areas, including administration, IT, brick laying, plastering and plumbing.

The Vela Group and other social landlords are now working with the National Housing Federation, the voice of affordable housing in England, to ensure the sector continues to provide opportunities for young people as a springboard to future careers.

Monica Burns, the Federation’s lead manager for the North East, added: “I am delighted that the Vela Group is leading the way during Apprenticeship Week by committing to take on more apprentices.

“The apprenticeship culture is already well embedded in the North East’s social housing sector and this new commitment demonstrates how the region is keen to continue setting the standard.”

Housing associations in the North East have pledged to increase the number of apprentices they employ to be between one and five percent of their workforce. This has already resulted in more than 100 new apprenticeships being created.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .