KHT supports National Apprenticeship Week

Tuesday 7th February 2012

Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) is supporting National Apprentice Week to promote to businesses the benefits of helping young people take their first steps into a career.

KHT is a great supporter of apprentices locally, and has now welcomed a new group of apprentices who will be learning new skills and working towards NVQ qualifications.

Emma O'Hara, 16, has joined as an Affordable Warmth Assistant, Amy Kingsley, 20, will be working as a Tenancy Sustainability Officer, Anu Khanna, 18, is working as a Supported Living Worker and Mark Meadows, 21 as a Rents Officer.

In addition, 15 new apprentices have joined KHT as part of a project with Elmfield Training and EON to help give energy efficiency advice to communities and help people access funds in the Affordable Warmth Programme.

KHT will also soon be taking on 10 new apprentices, which are being recruited through the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Knowsley Works.

"With youth unemployment rising, it is more important than ever that organisations offer apprenticeships as part of their recruitment programmes," said Steve Heverin Operational Director of Investment at KHT.

"Apprenticeships add huge value to a business, bringing in new ideas, skills and enthusiasm. It is a fantastic hands-on way for young peolple to learn and get started in a career.

"They are our future workforce and could end up being a valued member of your team for years to come."

KHT currently employs 13 apprentices and over 200 of its current workforce of nearly 470 staff started as an apprentice with either KHT or other companies. Its success with training apprentices has led to one apprentice receiving several Apprentice of the Year awards.

"Housing associations have a wider responsibility than providing homes - we are committed to creating sustainable communities, and tackling worklessness and the overall prosperity of our neighbourhoods is a big part of that."

National Apprenticeship Week works to show employers the advantages of employing apprentices and to highlight the skills of apprentices to employers and the wider public and the range of apprenticeships available.

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