Northallerton-based Broadacres has taken on its largest-ever group of new apprentices, bringing the total number of people currently learning their trade with the housing association to 15.
Eight people have begun their apprenticeships this year covering a wide range of services which Broadacres provides.
They are Adam Clayburn (heating engineer), Abbey Charles (electrical engineer), Kayleigh Jones (joinery), Oran Thompson (painting and decorating), Ewan Popple (surveying), Joshua Hart (finance), Felix Orchard (sustainability) and Carly Foster (communications).
Broadacres says it was inundated with applications for its apprenticeship programme and the eight successful applicants were selected following a rigorous selection process which included an assessment centre, where candidates completed an escape room style activity and designed a sustainable home of the future.
They will now gain hands-on experience in their chosen roles whilst also attending college one day a week to gain their formal qualifications.
Among the new crop include Felix Orchard, 18, from Huby, who will be part of the Broadacres’ sustainability team which is leading on the delivery of the Association’s drive to becoming a net zero organisation by 2050.
He said: “I have always been interested in the way the world is moving towards being more environmentally friendly and in particular the steps Broadacres is taking, so it’s a great place to start my career.”
Abbey Charles, 20, from Catterick, is following her sister Courtney into an apprenticeship with Broadacres. Courtney is now two years into her Plumbing and Heating apprenticeship.
Abbey said: “I have always wanted to get a formal trade qualification and Courtney loves it here and has been encouraging me to join, so I am excited to get started.”
The eight new apprentices will join seven other apprentices who joined Broadacres in previous years.
Since the start of the apprenticeship programme in 2015, nine people have gone on to secure full-time jobs with Broadacres, with the others all securing employment with other organisations.
Gail Teasdale, Broadacres chief executive, said: “We are delighted with the way our apprenticeship programme has grown and to now be in the position where we have 15 people working in different areas of the organisation is fantastic.
“It forms part of our commitment to providing employment opportunities to local people living in the communities where we have homes.”
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