Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Local housing association looking for apprentices

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group, one of the North West’s biggest housing and regeneration companies, is offering five young people the chance to join its Apprentice Scheme based at the company’s head office at Salford Quays.

Gaynor Leary, Organisational Development Officer at Contour Housing Group said: “Unemployment, particularly for young people is becoming a major problem.
Apprenticeships offer a genuine route to employment and provide real job experience.”

The apprenticeship in Business Administration is a 12 month programme where candidates will be working toward a Level 2 qualification. Applicants should be aged 16-19 years old with GCSE’s English and Maths at Grade C.

18 year old Kate Garner from Little Hulton is two thirds of her way through the scheme.  “I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do when I left school,” she said. “I would never have considered housing as a career option but the Contour Apprentice scheme seemed like a good opportunity to gain some valuable business skills.

“To date I have worked across a range of departments including IT, HR, Sheltered and Supported Housing and Leasehold. I’ve got a really good variety of skills now and I have decided that I want to focus my career in the Leasehold department which I really enjoy.

“I would recommend anyone looking to get real life work experience and further qualifications to apply for the Apprentice scheme. I’ve really enjoyed it and I hope to be working full time with Contour when I finish the Apprenticeship. Whatever happens, I think I have a lot to offer any potential employer in the future.”

Application packs and further information is available by contacting 0345 602 1120 or by emailing gaynor.leary@contourhousing.co.uk. Closing date for candidates to apply for this scheme is 31st August.

Posted at 17^th August 2010