FIFTEEN new recruits have joined Leicester City Council as housing apprentices – including a care leaver, a former member of the Armed Forces, a participant from the Women In Construction scheme and a candidate from Leicester to Work, which supports unemployed people.
The new apprentices – who range in age from 16 to 42 - will learn the skills needed to help keep the city’s 18,500 council houses in good repair.
They will train as electricians, property maintenance operatives, gas and heating engineers, and an apprentice vehicle technician. Their apprenticeships range in length from three to five years, after which they will gain qualifications and join a team of approximately 300 council craftspeople working across Leicester.
Deputy city mayor for housing, economy and neighbourhoods, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome these new recruits from a wide range of backgrounds to the council. We have a large stock of council houses in Leicester, and a skilled and well-trained workforce to look after them.
“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 quality employment opportunities.”
New apprentice Liam Middleton, who will train as an electrician, said: “I Joined the Army when I was 17, where I completed a City and Guilds qualification in electrical installation, then I left and did other things for about 10 years. I applied for a position of electrician apprentice at Leicester City Council because I wanted to get back on the tools and become fully qualified.
“The support and career opportunities here are fantastic. Everyone has made me feel welcome, so now I’m looking forward to meeting my mentor and becoming part of the Leicester council team and providing a service to the community.”
Assistant city mayor for communities, adult learning, jobs and skills, Cllr Mustafa Malik, added: "We are proud to value and invest in people, regardless of their starting point. By welcoming our latest cohort of apprentices, we continue a strong tradition of developing local talent and equipping them with the skills needed to serve and strengthen our Leicester community."
Every year, the city council runs a free Women In Construction scheme to give women who are interested in learning housing repair and craft skills the chance to try them out. Find out more at www.leicester.gov.uk/about-council/jobs-and-careers
Find out more about employment opportunities across the city at the Leicester Employment Hub website: leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk
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