National Apprenticeship Week showcases skills for life

This week, February 6-12, is National Apprenticeship Week. The week provides an opportunity to showcase the benefits that apprentices can bring to local communities, businesses, and the wider economy. The theme for the week this year is ‘skills for life’. Colleagues in the education sector, employers, communities, and individuals are encouraged to get involved by sharing how work-based training can help the future workforce develop real-life skills and knowledge. Homes in Sedgemoor (HiS) have experienced the real benefits that apprenticeships can bring to their work, and to the apprentices who get great starts in new careers through the apprenticeship scheme. In recent years, HiS apprentices have grown in experience and built worthwhile and quality careers.

Ryan Morgan began working in the Housing Development Unit as a Business Admin Apprentice in 2022. Ryan said:

“My apprenticeship has been an amazing experience, providing a foundation to build my future career in the Housing Development sector. Since starting out on my apprenticeship I have evolved from that initial inexperienced nervous person into a confident valued member of the busy Housing Development Unit. I have gained so much knowledge and a raft of skill sets, allowing me to forge out my own unique role and niche within the team. My colleagues have been supportive in my learning and development throughout my time at the organisation. My role provides the flexibility to complete a qualification and to experience a working lifestyle. The organisation has recognised my growth during my apprenticeship, resulting in me being awarded ‘Learner of the Year Award for 2022’. My favourite part of being a Housing Development Business Apprentice is being involved in affordable housing projects from start to finish which is truly rewarding. I now have sole responsibility for a number of important service functions, with freedom to introduce change and improvements.”

Kaylun Henson began as an apprentice in 2020 and has since become a highly valued part of the team as a Community Enabler and Housing Assistant:

“What I loved about being an apprentice was the variety in my daily workload. Being able to do my work and my colleague assignments helped me to understand how important it is to balance my week so that I’m not getting overwhelmed. Work based learning is a game changer. It ensured I was learning and expanding my knowledge in a college environment but also helped to ensure I was getting first-hand experience within the organisation. The apprenticeships ensured I was gaining knowledge and developing, it also helped me gain industry recognised qualifications.”

Charlie Harper is a Communications and Social Media Assistant and started working as an apprentice in 2018. Charlie said: 

“During my apprenticeship HiS offered me many opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge of the housing industry. Completing these courses improved my confidence, digital and photography skills and gave me additional qualifications.”

Homes in Sedgemoor’s maintenance and building partner the MD Group has recruited two new apprentice carpenters to work with experienced staff and keep the organisation’s housing stock in tip-top condition. MD apprentice Hayden said:

“Since starting my apprenticeship with MD and HiS I’ve picked up a wide variety of skills I feel will benefit me for my future career choices, I look forward to learning more skills and expanding my knowledge in my chosen trade.”

MD Group provides Hayden site-based training, mentoring, and work with Bridgwater and Taunton College supporting the theoretical aspects of the apprenticeships.

Julia Paling, Head of HR and Communications for HiS, added:

“Modern apprenticeships are invaluable. The apprentices get the training they need to advance their careers, and we can employ apprentices at different levels, from school leavers to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely. This helps us to build on a skilled and qualified workforce with members who embody our Customers First philosophy to deliver great services to our customers.”

If you are interested in an Apprenticeship role with HiS, keep an eye out on the ‘work with us‘ section of our website at Homes in Sedgemoor.