Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Apprenticeships available now in Salford

by Ethos public relations

This week (6th–10th February) is National Apprenticeship Week and with the number of young people not in employment or training (NEETs), at an all time high, apprenticeship programmes could help tackle the problem.

Salford based Contour Homes is part of the Symphony Housing Group which is looking to recruit four apprentices as part of the Salford 500 pledge. Alice Bennett who coordinates the apprenticeship programme at Contour explains:

“We have recently signed up to the Salford 500 pledge, a partnership between Salford City College, Trinity Business Training and the Salford business community. The pledge essentially wants to see 500 young people employed in meaningful apprenticeship programmes across the city.”

As part of its commitment, Symphony Housing Group has recently recruited 16 year old Amber Ormandy from the Lower Kersal and Charlestown area of Salford as an Apprentice in Business Administration. Amber received recognition for her involvement in the Salford 500 pledge by Hazel Blears MP who supports the scheme.

The housing company is no stranger to operating successful apprenticeships and has been running its own scheme for four years.

Gaynor Leary from the company said: “The apprenticeship programme allows us to deploy our apprentices where the business needs them most, giving us the flexibility to meet changing demands. It provides apprentices the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain work experience in various departments.

“Participation in the scheme has provided us the opportunity to develop individuals, giving them the skills they need to be successful in their future career choices, whether they choose to remain with Symphony Housing Group or look for opportunities elsewhere.”

Three young people from the original apprenticeship scheme were recently provided with full time positions with the company in October 2011 and Alice is confident that as the new recruits develop in their roles to meet Symphony Housing Group’s high professional standards, it is likely that they will benefit from full time employment once they have successfully served their time with the company.

She said: “Statistics show that employees who come through this type of scheme are good for business thanks to their knowledge of the company and loyalty. I would encourage more businesses to get involved. It is hard work but it does pay off.”

For more information about apprenticeships with Symphony Housing Group, please contact alice.bennett@symphonyhousing.org.uk.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 7^th February 2012