You’re hired! Seven apprentices start at housing group
Seven construction apprentices are starting on the road to new careers with Incommunities.
They range from school leavers to a graduate and a former housing support worker.
The recruits are Anas Ahmed and Max Parrott (electricians), Rashid Hafejee and Mark Riches (plumbers), Matthew Shaw and Sam Taylor (joiners) and Paul Falkingham (plasterer).
Each apprentice will be assigned mentors from the housing group’s professional ranks to train on building projects and repair work as well as develop their skills at the group’s construction training centre. One day a week they will attend college to work towards NVQ qualifications in their particular trade area.
Former shop worker Anas Ahmed says he is looking forward to working for a customer focused organisation and learning a trade at the same time.
Anas said: "Doing an apprenticeship is a great way of learning on the job and coming away with a sought after professional qualification. Hopefully, I can go on to secure a promising career with a great business like Incommunities!"
School leaver, Max Parrott got a taste for construction on a two week work placement at Incommunities whilst studying for his GCSEs at St Mary’s Menston.
He said: "It’s great to be starting as an apprentice sparky! I achieved some good grades and could have stayed on at school but doing an apprenticeship really gives me the chance to learn and earn at the same time. Everyone at the construction training centre and the trades guys are really helping me settle in."
Graduate Rashid Hafejee at 40 is the oldest recruit and previously worked as a housing support worker in Kirklees. He was looking for a fresh challenge and one where he could develop his practical skills.
Rashid said: "I had worked in social housing for 11 years helping people turn their lives around. Now I want to transfer this experience into helping others by taking a new career direction."
Geraldine Howley, Incommunities’ Group Chief Executive, said: "Apprentices are at the heart of our business and we have a wide range of talented people joining us this year, not least in age from 16 to 40!
"Each recruit will learn first-hand what it’s like to be part of our experienced construction team and will benefit from some of the best training anywhere."
Over the last 15 years Incommunities has trained 142 apprentices with nearly 98% achieving their professional qualifications.