Partner Article

Local authorities pledge support for apprenticeships

Ten of the region’s local authority housing associations have pledged to create more than 100 new apprentice jobs, in a bid to get more young people into the workplace.

Derwentside Homes is one of the ten who have agreed to the National Housing Federation;s North East Apprenticeship commitment, pledging that between one and five percent of their workforce will be apprentices by 2012.

One in four young people in the North East are out of work, and it is hoped that by creating new apprenticeships, Derwentside Homes will be able to positively contribute to educating a generation of skilled workers.

The apprenticeships will be both office and trade-based, and chief executive Geraldine Wilcox is now keen to work with local partners to encourage training opportunities.

She commented: “We are very proud of how well we have delivered against this commitment and since 2006 when we were established, we have taken on 23 apprentices and have also given training and work experience to many other local people.

“We, along with the other housing associations, fully support the National Housing Federation’s campaign to ensure the housing sector steps up to the mark and provides opportunities for young people to start their careers.”

Later this month the social housing providers will meet to discuss ways of employing more apprentices, as well as focusing on best practices. They will also have the opportunity to meet apprentices first hand to hear about their experiences.

Monica Burns, the Federation’s lead manager for the North East, added: “I am delighted that Derwentside Homes is leading the way during Apprenticeship Week by committing to take on more apprentices.

“The apprenticeship culture is already well embedded in North East’s social housing sector and this new commitment demonstrates how the region is keen to continue setting the standard.”

Derwentside Homes was named as a top 100 apprenticeship employer in 2011, and was also the runner up in the North East Medium Employer of the Year category of the National Apprenticeship Awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .