Trust supports apprentices’ first steps on career ladder

EIGHT apprentices have started the training they hope will give them the skills to succeed in life.

They have been successful in being offered an apprenticeship – which will last up to four years – with Halton Housing Trust. They will learn from experienced employees and tradesmen as well as attend college training courses.

“We have made a commitment to supporting training and employment opportunities for local people and this is part of that work,” said Sue Baxendale, the Trust’s Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development.
“There is a great deal of satisfaction in giving these young people the tools they need to succeed in life.”

Halton Housing Trust is working in partnership with Riverside College in order to provide full training and qualifications for the apprentices.

The Trust is investing £40million in neighbourhoods across Runcorn and Widnes as part of the Beyond the Garden Gate programme over the next five years and has agreed with contractors that they will also create training, employment and work experience opportunities for local people.

Jack Martin, 16, is from Ditton in Widnes and lives in one of the Trust’s homes. He did work experience at the Trust and is now working as an apprentice electrician.

“I love it because it is such a hands-on job,” he said. “The training we are doing so far is about health and safety, asbestos and lone working and I am really enjoying it.”

Leon McCormick, 17 and from Eccleston in St Helens, enjoyed his work experience with the Trust so much that he continued to volunteer in his spare time and school holidays.
He has been rewarded with an apprentice plasterer’s position working with the Trust’s Construction Services team.

“I know at the end of the course I will have certificates and a recognised apprenticeship that will hopefully get me a job,” he said.
“There is so much satisfaction in walking into a house that has no walls plastered and then at the end of the day leaving with the job done.”

Mike Morson, Apprenticeship Manager at Riverside College said:  “Riverside College passionately believe in the value of apprenticeships. They give people an opportunity to learn skills in a work-based setting.  It is great that the Trust are working in partnership with Riverside College and investing in the apprenticeship scheme. It’s really encouraging that they are leading the way to promote apprentices in Halton and providing people with promising futures”.
The other apprentices include: Elly Campbell, Jenny Jones, Lauren Walker, Michael McCann, Alex Noone and David Roberts who are working in various departments across the Trust in both trade and office based roles.