WARRINGTON’S biggest landlord – Golden Gates Housing Trust – has pledged to create 39 new apprenticeships by the end of next March.
The housing association, which owns more than 8,500 homes in Warrington, has signed up to the National Housing Federation’s North West Apprenticeship Commitment and pledged that by the end of March, up to five per cent of its workforce will be apprentices.With the highest youth unemployment figures in England and nearly one in four young people out of work, the North West urgently needs more apprentices to drive economic growth and create a new generation of skilled workers.
Chairman of the GGHT Board Roy Smith, said: “As an organisation we are committed to helping local people and in particular young people into work. The changes around the welfare system that are coming in early next year will make things tougher for many residents in Warrington and we are determined to do all we can to ensure that we help people into work so that these changes work for them.
“We recognise that it can be difficult for people to find work at present and our apprentice schemes are a great way for them to develop their skills and future careers, while playing a key role in the work we are doing to invest in our tenants’ homes and neighbourhoods.”
Andrew Cunningham, aged 29 (pictured), joined GGHT earlier this year, as a trainee loft insulator. He had previously been out of work for four years after being made redundant and was finding life a real struggle.
He said: “This opportunity has made a tremendous difference to my life. I’m now able to pay my rent, save up for a driving course and treat my partner to a meal out occasionally. I now see myself with a future in the green renewable energies sector as I expand my range of skills with the training and practical skills I have received at GGHT.”
GGHT and other social landlords are working with the National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations across the country, to ensure the sector steps up to the mark and provides opportunities for young people to start their careers.
Housing trust to take on more apprentices
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It may not be the greenshoots of an economic revival, but it is a step in the right direction and GG are to be congratulated in announcing this initiative. Let’s hope others will follow.