National Apprenticeship Week:- Local lads flourish thanks to apprentice training scheme

Two young apprentices are enjoying flourishing careers at leading repair contractor, Property Care, part of the Housing Plus Group, thanks to a pioneering apprentice scheme.

19 year-old Connor Judge and Nathan Moore, aged 20 are currently in their third and final year of the Property Care apprenticeship programme, which has benefited more than eight budding local apprentices over the last eight years.

Helping to maintain more than 6,000 homes across the Midlands, Property Care’s apprentice programme enables young people from across the region to gain practical hands-on experience in a diverse range of skills including carpentry and plumbing. Working alongside qualified trade mentors for four days a week, the apprentices also benefit from one day of skills based learning per week at a local college. While Connor attends Dudley College, Nathan is studying at Walsall Housing Groups Skill Centre.

On completing their apprenticeship’s Connor and Nathan will both achieve Level 2 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's).

Connor and Nathan are two of a long line of successful apprentices at Property Care. Having retained all previous apprentices in full time employment, the business is particularly proud of registered Corgi plumber Richard Allen and carpenter Paul Green, who completed their training in 1998, as they are now both actively involved in helping to train up the current generation of new recruits.

Also benefitting from Property Care’s apprentice programme are Luke Adams and Daniel Flavell who are currently in their second year of training.

Speaking of his success on the apprentice programme to date, Connor Judge said:“I chose the apprenticeship with Property Care because the training is varied and the employment conditions are good. I want a career that is secure and a job with lots of variety. I am learning new skills all the time and I have made some good friends at college and in my job.” Nathan Moore added:

“I would highly recommend apprenticeships to my friends as a great way to build potential and earn qualifications that will set them up for life. Being able to learn from experienced people who are already in the trade is great. The team at Property Care is committed to passing on skills and always take the time to make sure I understand.”

Emphasising Property Care’s ongoing commitment to provide high quality skills-based training to local apprentices, Ralph Middlemore, director of property services at Property Care said:

“Given the current economic climate, it is important that we train staff to maintain productivity and a competitive edge. Our Apprenticeship Scheme allows us to grow our own workforce and talent. The up-to-the-minute skills, energy and new ideas they bring to the business help us to remain competitive and to deliver continuous service improvements to our customers.”