SIXTEEN new apprentices from a range of backgrounds have joined Leicester City Council’s housing department to learn specialist craft skills.
The apprentices – who range in age from 16 to nearly 60 – will learn the skills needed to help keep the city’s 18,500 council houses in good repair.
They will train in carpentry and joinery, gas engineering, electrical installation and roofing, joining a team of approximately 300 craftspeople working across Leicester.
Combining on-the-job training with college learning, they will complete courses ranging in length from two and half to five years, coming out with qualifications at levels two and three – equivalent to GCSE and A-levels.
Apprentices receive at least the National Living Wage while they are training, and once they are qualified, they can start a job with the council.
The group includes five women, three care leavers and three people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, helping to reflect the diversity of the city. There is a wide age range, and four apprentices have also been taken on from the city council’s neighbourhood improvement team, which offers skills, qualifications and employment experience to people who are out of work.
Deputy city mayor for housing, economy and neighbourhoods, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, said: “Part of our important work to tackle the city’s housing crisis is ensuring that our stock is well maintained. It’s absolutely vital that we keep our properties in good condition, particularly as we add to our stock by investing in developments at Hospital Close and Saffron velodrome.
“Our apprenticeship scheme helps to provide a solid skills base and underlines our commitment as a housing provider. It’s fantastic that we are able to contribute to the local economy by offering these apprenticeships to local people.”
New apprentice Mckenzie Hanney, who will train in carpentry, said: “It has been very interesting so far, I have been put with a really nice group of people from all different backgrounds who I really get on with.
“I have enjoyed hearing how council workers started out as apprentices and worked their way up. This week has definitely helped with my confidence as I have been made to feel welcome.”
Fellow new apprentice Jaymie Pallatt, who will train in gas heating, said: “I have enjoyed the first week of my apprenticeship. Everyone has been friendly and approachable regardless of their role, and I can’t wait to get started!”
Assistant city mayor for communities, adult learning, jobs and skills, Cllr Mustafa Malik, added: “It’s great to hear the feedback from our new apprentices about the welcome they have received. As a large local employer, it’s important we lead by example and demonstrate that we are the sort of workplace that values people from all backgrounds, whatever their starting point. I look forward to hearing more about the apprentices’ journey as they build a career with us.”
Find out more about employment opportunities across the city at the Leicester Employment Hub website: leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk
Leicester City Council jobs, apprenticeships, placements and training opportunities can be found at leicester.gov.uk/jobs
ENDS