Apprenticeships
Kick start your career with a VAHT apprenticeship – who knows where it will take you?
The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust is launching its first ever apprenticeship programme later this month.
Matthew Applegate, Chief Executive of the Trust:
‘Starting an apprenticeship scheme underlines our long term commitment to enhancing local recruitment opportunities, and improving youth employment prospects and school to work transitions within the local area. We want to work in partnership with the local schools in order to inform individuals of the opportunities available to them.
Many individuals believe that the only way to get ahead is to go to university, which just isn’t true. Apprenticeships offer a whole host of opportunities that individuals wouldn’t get at university, for example gaining hands on experience and training from subject matter experts within a real life work place environment, whilst earning a salary. Acquiring these skills is a great starting point to a long term career. Nothing impresses an employer more than an applicant who demonstrates a genuine interest in working in their field, and taking the initiative of starting on a path towards their chosen career.’
Dean Gill, the Trust’s Director of Property and Development, says:
‘There is a drastic shortage of skilled and qualified workers in the UK, particularly in the carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades. Did you know that over 86,000 new tradesmen and women are needed every year? This is why we would like to recruit individuals in these vocations. Once qualified, individuals will not only be able to work in a field that is of interest to them, but also these skills will help them find employment opportunities throughout their lives.
Apprenticeships are an extremely valuable asset to both businesses and the apprentices themselves. We need to look after our future workers and help drive the UK’s economic growth. We hope the programme has a positive impact on the local community, as well as nurturing home grown talent for the organisation.’
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work based training programme. It combines on the job training whereby apprentices work alongside highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals; and off the job training in which apprentices spend one day per week studying at a local college. An apprenticeship normally takes three years to complete by which time individuals will have achieved a nationally recognised qualification.
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship with the Trust?
There are many advantages to starting an apprenticeship, such as:
• Earning a salary while you’re learning
• Receiving on the job training and learning job-specific skills
• Working alongside subject matter experts
• Gaining nationally recognised qualifications
• Gaining skill sets for life
• The potential of permanent employment with the Trust on apprenticeship completion
An apprenticeship with the Trust will be challenging, but extremely enjoyable and rewarding.
What apprenticeships are available to me with the Trust?
We are looking to take on three apprentices in September 2011 in the following professions: carpentry, plumbing and electrical installations.
What qualifications do I need to be an apprentice with the Trust?
The entry requirements for an apprenticeship would be 3 GCSE passes from A-C in Maths, English and Science or Level 1 NVQ.
We ask that individuals have a genuine passion and interest in their chosen apprenticeship so that they are committed and determined to do well. In return we will provide help and support in building individuals up to their full potential in their chosen profession.
How is the apprenticeship structured?
The schemes will combine work-based learning with off the job training and technical education, which will lead to the attainment of a nationally recognised qualification (NVQ 3). It will be a three year apprenticeship followed by two year post qualification experience. The starting salaries will be in the region of £11,000 with annual progression based on satisfactory performance and achievement of qualifications.
At the end of the apprenticeship there maybe the opportunity to gain a permanent appointment with the Trust.
What will my training entail?
Each week apprentices will carry out 4 days of on the job work experience and 1 days study at Aylesbury College.
Carpentry
The apprentice will experience a range of carpentry and joinery repairs and installations in occupied and empty properties. For example, a carpenter would complete installations and/or repairs of windows, doors and frames on our properties.
Plumbing
The apprentice will perform a range of plumbing repairs and installations in occupied and empty properties. Activities will range from changing a tap to replacing a bath.
Electrical Installation
The apprentices will carry out a range of electrical repairs and installations in occupied and empty properties including diagnosis of electrical faults, testing and maintenance of electrical wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus and fixtures.
How will my tools and equipment be funded?
Individuals will be provided with an allowance from the Trust to purchase the necessary tools and equipment prior to the start of their apprenticeship.
This years apprenticeship vacancies will be open for applications from 29th June on the recruitment pages of this website.
