Member Article

Byker Community Trust welcomes new apprentice

Byker resident Lizzie Sharkey has secured a Business Administration Apprenticeship with the Byker Community Trust (BCT) after replying to an advert in the organisations residents’ newsletter.

Lizzie, 24, who has lived on the Byker estate all her life, joined the BCT in June and will work within the main office supporting the rest of the team including running the busy reception area.

She was inspired to apply for the role after reading about how successful her colleague, Steve Howells has been and how an apprenticeship has given him a platform to progress his career within the housing sector.

Steve joined the BCT as an apprentice in 2012 and has since gone on to progress up the career ladder after completing his qualifications and has won a number of regional housing sector awards during this time.

Lizzie from Byker Crescent, said: “This is a great opportunity for me to learn new skills and gain valuable experience within an office environment. I would really like to think that I could also go on to achieve and be as successful as Steve and deliver an excellent service to all residents living on the estate. I now have that chance and I am very grateful to the BCT for giving me this opportunity.”

Jill Haley, Chief Executive of the BCT, said: “In addition to improving homes on the estate, we are committed to supporting the Byker community and creating opportunities such as jobs for local residents. Steve is a good example of somebody who was given an opportunity to progress their own life and working career and has really made a difference. It shows that if you work hard, you will reap the rewards and an apprenticeship can be a route to a successful career.

“We had no hesitation in creating and supporting a new apprentice and hope that Lizzie will be just as successful. We will give her all the support she needs to progress her career and I look forward to working with her.”

Lizzie has secured a one year apprenticeship and will also study a business management diploma at Westgate Community College as part of her role.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Byker Community Trust .