|
Press release |
Ref:PRHP031 Date: 8thFebruary 2024
Housing Plus Group celebrates apprenticeship success stories
As Housing Plus Group celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, the leading housing provider is highlighting the achievements of former trainees who are now enjoying rewarding careers as fully qualified tradespeople thanks to its ongoing apprenticeship programme.
Having joined the HPG team at the age of 18, after studying atNSCG Stafford College, Connoris the latest to complete a trades apprenticeship within the organisation.
The 21-year-old says the support he's received from colleagues has been a huge help on his journey to becoming a qualified electrician.
On the successful completion of his final assessments, he said: "Throughout the apprenticeship I've learnt a lot from the people around me. There's nothing better than learning ‘on site' from real professionals who have many years of experience between them.
"It's also great to work with other trades on larger projects, and now I feel confident to take on more responsibility, and really enjoy the variety of work we are involved in - from testing electrical installations and remedial works to wiring.
The apprenticeship also saw Connor studying one day per week at the college where he had previously worked towards electrical qualifications.
"I always wanted to work in a trade, and University never appealed to me, but the apprenticeship enabled me to build on what I had learned at college and turn my initial interest in electrics into a real career," added Connor who, in his spare time, enjoys golf and football.
Now he joins fellow electrician Shane as a valued member of the HPG Property Plus team, which is responsible for maintenance of, and improvements to, the organisation's housing stock.
Having drifted through a series of jobs, including window cleaning and factory work, until his mid-20s, Shane also decided that an apprenticeship offered the best prospect of a rewarding, long-term career.
"I had also studied electrics at college when I left school but never took things any further," explained Shane, who celebrated his 30thbirthday last year.
"I realised though that you are never too old to learn, and to take on a new challenge, and I think the apprenticeship has really helped me to start fulfilling my true potential," added the father of two.
It's not just trainee electricians who have benefitted from HPG's apprenticeships programme, with other trades covered by the expanding programme.
Petrosstudied plumbing at college and recently qualified as a gas engineer after joining the scheme in 2018.
Like Connor, he says the support he has received from colleagues has proved invaluable as he trained for a rewarding career with high levels of responsibility.
"One of the best things about this job is the people you meet, and I love being out and about," he said. "You also get a lot of satisfaction knowing you have done a job well, and this is down to the quality of the training I've received."
National Apprenticeship Weektakes place from 5 to 11 February 2024. It brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefit and opportunity that they bring.
Tony Bishop, Director of People and Marketing at Housing Plus Group added: "We are really proud of all our apprentices. As well as completing their courses with flying colours they are now providing a first-class service to customers who rely on their skills.
"They are excellent ambassadors for our organisation, and I'm sure they will continue to build their careers based on the firm foundations of our apprenticeships."
- END -
Caption for image HPG24004:
From left to right: Electricians Connor and Shane with gas engineer,Petros.
Background for editors
Housing Plus Group is a leading provider of homes across a range of tenures, to meet identified housing needs. We also deliver regulated care services and technology-enabled support to help people live independently in their own homes. We offer rewarding careers for around 1000 colleagues, many of whom live in the communities we serve.
We are focused on building a resilient organisation providing even better services for customers and are inspired and guidedby our values: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and You.
Following recent significant growth and change at Housing Plus Group, we are delighted to have been recognised with 1 Star accreditation by Best Companies, reflecting very good levels of workplace engagement and a great place to work.
Our dedicated and diverse colleagues are critical to our success. We value our people and offer them challenging and worthwhile careers providing a sense of achievement in a vital sector. It is important that we offer opportunities to inspire our people to help us to make a positive difference to our customers' homes, lives and communities.
Our Group comprises: Homes Plus, Care Plus, Property Plus, Severn Homes and County Town Homes. More information can be found at:www.housingplusgroup.co.uk
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) requires that all registered providers confirm compliance with the Regulatory Framework, Governance and Financial Viability Standard. Housing Plus Group complies with this standard, holding the RSH highest rating for governance, G1 and V2 for viability. Please visit www.gov.uk to find out more.
Further information
Mara Hargreaves
Head of marketing and communications
Housing Plus Group
Mobile (p): 07967 967 466
mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Clare Chick
Marketing and communications officer
Housing Plus Group
Mobile (p): 07950 254 279
clare.chick@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Ruby Davies
Marketing and communications officer
Housing Plus Group
Mobile:07485 922776
ruby.davies@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
Mobile: 07771 970025
mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk