South Tyneside Homes recognised for helping young people to build skills

South Tyneside Homes has been recognised for their ongoing commitment to developing the skills of young people in the local area.

The housing company was ‘highly commended’ in the Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category at the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Mark Whittle, director of investment, said: “This is another great achievement for our apprenticeship programme and recognises the high standard of training we deliver.

The programme provides a very solid foundation and successful route for apprentices to develop within the company.”

Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), the awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the businesses that employ them.

Over the past six years South Tyneside Homes has trained 80 young people in five main trade areas - plastering, plumbing, joinery, painting and electrical.

Apprentices attend college on a day or block release to work towards achieving an NVQ Level 3. They also work alongside experienced members of the team to learn skills on the job.

South Tyneside Homes has a partnership with South Tyneside Council’s Adult and Community Learning team, who support each apprentice’s education and training. On top of this there is a mentoring ‘buddy’ system and Apprenticeship Champions, which help contribute to job satisfaction and increased aspirations.

John Wayman, regional director for NAS, added: “I would like to congratulate South Tyneside Homes on their awards success, which is well deserved. The organisation has an exceptional culture of learning and development, with apprenticeships at its heart.

“South Tyneside Homes is an outstanding role model for other organisations, demonstrating the many benefits apprenticeships can bring. Their commitment to apprentices has provided life changing career opportunities to many young people and benefited the organisation by creating a highly skilled workforce dedicated to delivering a quality service.”