Member Article

Leeds residents to KickStart construction careers thanks to Keepmoat

Keepmoat Property Services, a division of national housing and regeneration specialist Keepmoat, has launched a new initiative to job-seekers in Leeds to ‘kick start’ their careers in the construction industry through a new apprenticeship programme.

The company, which provides a responsive repairs and maintenance service to clients across the UK, is working in partnership with client, Leeds Federated Housing Association, by offering their residents the chance to sign up to its KickStart programme.

The aim of the programme, which coincided with National Apprenticeship Week, offers 12 candidates an eight-week training and mentoring course, at the end of which Keepmoat expects to take on two of the trainees as full-time apprentices.

During the part-time course, the budding apprentices will receive on-site work experience on a live Keepmoat site, as well as training in employment skills such as job interviews and CV writing. At the end of the programme, every participant will have received certificated CITB accredited Health and Safety training and a CITB Level 1 Building Crafts Operative Certificate.

Helen Francis, Business Development Director at Keepmoat Property Services, said: “We have successfully ran a number of KickStart programmes around the country and are delighted to be bringing it to Leeds for the first time. KickStart does not just give participants an introduction to the construction industry – our training sessions on interviews and CV writing provide them with helpful tips and advice for getting a job.

“Whether you’ve just left school or college, or if you’re ready for a career change, we are looking for talented people who have the qualities to shine. We’re expecting to be able to offer full-time apprentice positions within the business at the end of the course, kick starting their career with Keepmoat Property Services.”

Keepmoat Property Services is currently working with Leeds Federated Housing Association on a seven-year contract to provide a 24/7 day to day responsive repairs and voids service to 3,700 properties.

Jonathan Rogers, Partnerships and Employer Liaison Officer at Leeds Federated, said; “KickStart is a great way for people to move into a career in construction, whether they fancy a career change or have just left college. It gives valuable practical skills and industry recognised training which can be a great first step to finding work.”

Keepmoat Property Services will be launching another KickStart programme in May 2014 providing opportunities for a further 12 candidates from Accent Group, who the company also undertakes a 24/7 day to day responsive repairs and voids service to 7,000 properties across Yorkshire and the North East.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Craig Downs .