Ref:PRSH149
Date: December 5, 2016 

SARH boosts futures with successful

pre-apprenticeship programme

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Stafford's largest landlord has further demonstrated its commitment to providing opportunities for young people by taking on more recruits for its successful pre-apprenticeship programme. 

Will Parton and Lucas Phillips are among the latest in a long-line of young people to join Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) as part of the housing association's Construction Operatives scheme, which combines practical work experience with life skills training.

The six-month programme is run in partnership with the Shaw Trust and aims to help young people to get a foot on the career ladder.

A former pupil of Sir Graham Balfour school, 17-year-old Will has been working under the careful eye of his mentor, John Wilkes, who first joined SARH as part of a similar scheme and now works as a full-time labourer/driver for the housing association.

"It really is a great feeling when you see young people go on to secure a career in the industry after completing a programme such as this," John said. "I'm also enjoying the opportunity of being able to pass on a few skills.

"I know from my own experience how much of a difference such training can make when you are trying to get into a trade or the wider construction industry and, as one of the latest to benefit from the scheme, Will is doing very well and is really enthusiastic when it comes to learning on the job."

Will says the support from his mentor and other colleagues at SARH is providing a real boost to his career aspirations.

"The programme is giving me an opportunity to build up my experience of working in the construction industry," he said. "I particularly enjoy joinery but as part of the programme I have also been working in other trades, including plastering, bricklaying and plumbing, as well as general ground works."

The six-month Construction Operative programme is open to 16-25 year olds who are out of work and looking to gain experience of a range of different trades. As part of the programme they also spend time at the SARH Learning Academy, studying a range of skills designed to help their job prospects.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive added: "In our tenth anniversary year, we are continuing to invest in the future by providing opportunities for young people in the communities we serve. As Stafford's largest landlord and one of the area's biggest employers, we are in a unique position to help develop the tradesmen and women of the future." 

Caption: SARH Construction OperativeWill Parton (left) and his mentor John Wilkes.

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk