Member Article

Tyne Housing provides career path for new apprentice

Christopher Brown from Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne has been awarded an accountancy apprenticeship with a leading North East housing provider.

The role is a dream come true for the twenty-year-old after securing a 12-month apprenticeship with Tyne Housing Association, which provides supported housing and day services to vulnerable people across Tyneside and Northumberland.

Christopher will gain valuable experience of financial accounting, planning and management within housing sector finance while continuing with his studies at Newcastle College.

He is in the second year of his Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 certificate which combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge, helping him to learn all the skills required to deliver accountancy.

Working as part of a small team, he is being guided by his line manager, Kevin Kelly, Director of Finance and IT at Tyne Housing Association who himself, has 26 years’ experience of social housing finance.

He said, “Our ethos is about supporting the local communities where we operate whether that is working with local suppliers and contractors or creating job opportunities for local people.

“Tyne Housing Association is committed to creating apprenticeship opportunities to give young people the experience they need to help them get onto the career ladder.

“Over the next twelve months, Christopher will learn valuable experience of accounting and financial planning and he will work on all aspects of the job. We will give him all the support he needs to help him gain a career in finance and accountancy.”

Christopher commented: “I am really grateful to Tyne Housing Association for giving me this opportunity and to gain the experience I need not only to help me with my studies but in future to give me the best possible start for a career in finance and accounting.

“I feel proud to be part of an organisation which helps vulnerable adults to find a home and access the services they need to live independently. They give people an opportunity to change their lives which is exactly what this apprenticeship is allowing me to do – to change my life. The organisation is really passionate about helping people and this is something I want to be part of. The experience and knowledge that I will learn from Kevin and all staff will be really valuable.”

The AAT apprenticeship combines work-based projects and college-based learning where students can apply the theory they learn in the classroom into the working environment

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Up North Communications .