Apprentices try their hands at new trades

Young people tried new trades at an apprenticeship day aimed at helping steer them on the right career path.

Halton Housing Trust hosted the event, which saw 22 young people – aged between 16 and 24 – test their skills at plastering, plumbing, electrics and joinery.

Alex Noon, 18, who started as a Business Administration apprentice with the Trust three months ago, helped organise the day.

“It was a great day and they all said they got something positive out of it,” she said.

“I have really enjoyed my time with the Trust so far and it was great that I was able to talk to them about my experiences as an apprentice.”

Skilled tradesmen and women from the Trust and its contractors, Forrest, Sure Maintenance and Apollo Property Services, spoke to the young people about their jobs and the benefits of an apprenticeship.

The day, held on Friday 20th January also involved business workshops, taking the group through the day-to-day operations of trade jobs including details such as filling in timesheets.

Connexions and Riverside College recruited young people interested in starting an apprenticeship and those who have not yet decided what career path to take.

Halton Housing Trust currently employs 12 apprentices in trades, admin and customer service, and is planning to take on more next year.

“An apprenticeship is a great way of learning new skills hands-on and I hope we have given this group of young people another option when thinking about their future careers,” said Alex.