Member Article

New apprentices take up the challenge

Eleven new apprentices are excited for a fresh challenge with housing provider Salix Homes.

The budding recruits are kick-starting their careers in the housing sector across a number of teams after the organisation launched its “Earn as you Learn” recruitment drive earlier this year.

Each trainee will study towards a NVQ level 2 qualification in subjects such as customer service, grounds maintenance and Business Administration.

The social housing provider, which owns and manages 8,300 homes in Salford, received large amounts of interest after two open days were held in June.

The new employees met former apprentices at the events who have successfully been through the programme.

Naila Petruseva, aged 26, was successful in her application and is now finding her feet with our Customer Service Team.

She said: “My friend spotted this opportunity and I was attracted by the offer of working towards a qualification. I’m still young and this will give me a good chance to better myself and fulfil my potential. More companies like Salix Homes should offer this incentive to young people.”

Gavin Mulryan, who lives in Lower Broughton with his partner and two children, is now among the ranks of our 1st Response Team, who provide round-the-clock access to all housing services, but also carry out mobile patrols, respond to reports of anti-social behaviour day and night and monitor more than 600 CCTV cameras covering 28 tower blocks across Central Salford.

The 31-year-old added: “This opportunity is giving me the chance to learn new qualifications while still providing an income for my family. It’s great to see a local organisation striving to bring in local people among its workforce.

“I’ve been made to feel very welcome here in my short time and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”

In the last three years, Salix Homes has recruited 28 apprentices to work across all areas of the organisation, with many going on to secure permanent employment.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “As an organisation we aim to support one local person into work or training every day of the year by 2020 and our apprenticeship programme is a key part of that ambition.

“I was given a similar chance when I left school at the age of 16 and I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in a position to offer these opportunities, I would make sure I did.

“We’ve had a competitive recruitment process which was great to see, as apprenticeships are a fantastic way to boost your skills and confidence – as well as earning a living.

“All these new recruits left an impression in their interviews and strike me as enthusiastic and passionate individuals who want to not only develop the organisation for the better, but themselves.”

You can keep up to date with apprenticeship, training and job opportunities with Salix Homes and other local organisations, by visiting our dedicated jobs page: www.salixhomes.org/jobs

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hayley Collins .