Young learners have been sharing their success stories as part of a national event aimed at promoting the positive impact apprenticeships can make on communities, businesses, and the wider economy.
We are incredibly proud to have supported 16,000 people into work and training over the last 15 years of our Livin Futures employability programme. In partnership with local primary and secondary schools, our apprenticeship pathway supports young people to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience while experiencing the world of work.
We currently employ 21 apprentices studying from level two to master’s degree qualifications in customer services, policy and strategy, governance, IT, business administration and construction.
Jasmin Sharp recently completed her customer services apprenticeship and has secured a permanent position as a housing services adviser. As part of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) she has been sharing her story with prospective apprentices. She said: “I joined the apprenticeship programme in 2022 after passing my GCSE’s at Whitworth Park Academy. Livin ran a careers fair in the spring for all the students who were in year 11, and this is where I first heard about its customer services academy. The opportunity to work across different departments was very appealing to me, and I am thrilled that my career is now in housing. Since I started my apprenticeship, my confidence has improved. I’m really excited about my new position and would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to continue to learn both at college and in the workplace.”
Over 45 employees currently work at our headquarters and in our communities and began their careers as apprentices. Our apprentices went on to become accountants, housing and employability managers, quantity surveyors, and members of the management team.
Alan Boddy, chief executive said: “We are very proud of our longstanding apprenticeship history and are pleased to join many other excellent apprentice employers during NAW in celebrating the achievements of apprentices. Apprentices are a key part of our team, bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a thirst for learning which we support throughout their journey. Apprenticeships are an excellent way of attracting and retaining top talent and bridging the skills gap in our industry”.
Our work and training team has won an impressive 10 awards including the Outstanding Achievement by Apprentices award at Housing Heroes Awards in 2022 and most recently the Resident Employment and Training award at the National Affordable Housing Awards 2023.
During NAW we will be celebrating the success of apprentices with a social media campaign that highlights this year's theme ‘skills for life’ and any upcoming apprenticeship opportunities.
Read our other news