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Three new apprentices are laying the foundation for careers in the housing field with the help of Tor Homes.
The apprentices were recruited in a bid to help avert potential skills shortages in the future.
Trainee plumbers, Ellie Guy (33), from Totnes, and Dan Wilson (17) from Kingsteignton, join carpentry apprentice, 18 year old Adam Gibson from Paignton, on two year apprenticeship schemes.
The three apprentices beat off competition from 84 applicants and are now working with skilled workers from Tor Homes on a variety of projects. They are attending South Devon Technical College & City College Plymouth on a day release basis in order to gain an NVQ in their chosen trades.
Ellie Guy has two small children and has chosen plumbing as a route to acquiring a qualification and improved financial security. Describing the job as great fun, Ellie said: “I wanted to learn a trade and am enjoying my work at Tor Homes. “It’s great to be able to train and gain a qualification,” she said.
Since school, Dan Wilson has always wanted to learn a trade and says that his job is a brilliant opportunity.
Adam Gibson was one of 8 shortlisted for the carpentry apprenticeship. Carpentry is something he has always wanted to do and is pleased to be able to learn whilst he earns.
As a registered housing charity, Tor Homes, invests money in building new homes and repairs and maintains over 3000 homes in South Devon.
The apprentices gain specific skills through on-the-job paid training and ensure that the company has a highly skilled workforce which helps business growth.
John McCue heads up the Maintenance Team for Tor Homes and says that the company is committed to helping young people enter the affordable housing sector.
“Apprenticeships are one of the best ways we can fill our skills gaps. They are not only essential to the future of our housing industry, they also make a valuable contribution both to our local communities, as well as to the UK economy.”
“It is vital that during these tough economic times valuable skills are not lost and modern apprenticeships provide young people and adults with the opportunity to gain a qualification, whilst working.”
Tor Homes is currently advertising for a Grounds, Arboriculture and Horticulture apprentice who will be able to study for a NVQ in Amenity Horticulture whilst working for the housing company.
