Sunderland housing association surpasses 300 apprentices following recruitment event

Sunderland based Gentoo has welcomed 15 new apprentices this month following a successful apprenticeship open day at the Group’s head office in June.

The open day was the first recruitment event held since the pandemic hit in 2020 and was attended by over 300 people. The event provided applicants with a chance to learn more about the Group, the available vacancies, gain application and interview advice and speak to existing colleagues.

In partnership with Sunderland College and Gentoo’s other training partners, the new apprenticeship roles provide on the job experience whilst apprentices study towards their chosen qualifications.

New recruits will operate in a range of different roles across the business including, joinery, plastering, business administration, electrical, gas, multi-maintenance, and security systems. This year’s apprentices were chosen from over 502 applicants and began their two to four year training on September 12.

The recent recruitment takes the number of apprenticeships created by Gentoo up to 308, marking a milestone for the Group since it was founded in 2001.

Nigel Wilson, chief executive officer at Gentoo, commented: “I am pleased to welcome our new apprentices to Gentoo and delighted that this year marks over 300 apprentices recruited by the Group since 2001.

“We are proud to be known for our continued support of apprenticeships here at Gentoo and are committed to creating a strong workforce that provides an outstanding level of service to our customers.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the apprentices develop in their roles and be part of the Gentoo team. I am confident they will succeed into full-time employees in the future.”

Louise McInroy, who recently joined Gentoo as a business administration apprentice, added: “Being chosen for an apprenticeship out of hundreds of applicants feels like such an achievement. It’s been eye-opening starting a job fresh out of school whilst still being able to experience college.

“I have learned so much already and have been welcomed by everyone on the team. I am very much looking forward to where this opportunity will take me and finding out more about what Gentoo has to offer.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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