Beyond Housing

Beyond Housing has recently welcomed eight apprentices to its growing team, including two via the housing provider’s VIP apprenticeship events.

Since the launch of Beyond Housing in 2018, the organisation has taken on 58 apprentices in a bid to provide local people with a career path of their choosing. As apprentices, the talented individuals will spend their time learning about their profession at college whilst also completing practical hours each week in areas such as electrical, joinery, painting, HR, and business administration.

Last year, Beyond Housing introduced VIP apprenticeship information sessions to encourage customers of the housing provider to take advantage of the apprenticeship opportunities on offer and become valued colleagues in the Beyond Housing team.

With support from the employability team, and fitting the criteria, Olivia Lillystone and Rosanna Knowles completed the VIP apprenticeship sessions and are now joining Beyond Housing as business administration apprentices. Julie Owen, age 37, is another Beyond Housing customer who has secured a role as an apprentice bricklayer.

Other new recruits include Miles Roberts, who is undertaking an apprenticeship in surveying, which, once completed, will see him become an associate member of the highly regarded Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Jack Spark and Zac Whitfield also join the group of new recruits as apprentice electricians, alongside Josh Froom, who joins an apprentice painter, and Joe Collins-May, who is undertaking an apprenticeship in HR support.

The new starters have begun their work-based training with Beyond Housing’s apprentice and volunteer team leader, Maria Taylor, who recently held an introductory brunch in Whitby, to talk them through what to expect in the coming months.

Maria Taylor, Apprentice & Volunteer Team Leader at Beyond Housing said: “We are delighted to welcome all our new apprentices to our team at Beyond Housing.

“For many years we have been committed to our apprenticeship programme and providing local people with a variety of learning and employment opportunities.

“We are passionate about raising aspirations, reducing inequality, and ensuring that our workforce reflects the communities we serve. Our VIP apprenticeship sessions are designed to give our customers the information and support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances, and it’s been amazing to find some really talented individuals through these sessions and welcome them to the team.

Business Admin Apprentice Olivia Lillystone said: “As a Beyond Housing customer I was aware of the employability support offered by the company so, being unsure of my career direction on leaving college, I joined their youth employment initiative (YEI) programme.

“I received invaluable help with my CV, advice on completing job applications, and an introduction to the many vacancies and apprenticeships that were available. I was guided through the apprentice application, interview and assessment process and felt fully supported by the team at every stage. I’m now secure in my new role as a business admin apprentice and very happy to feel part of the Beyond Housing family.”

Apprentice Bricklayer Julie Owens added: “As a Beyond Housing customer I have seen at first-hand what a great company they would be to work for, so I have regularly checked the website for employment vacancies.

“A bricklaying apprenticeship opportunity really caught my eye, something I would really love to do, but as a 37-year-old woman might I be considered too old or unsuitable to apply for the role? Nothing ventured, nothing gained though, so I sent off my application.

“With advice and help from the Employment Support team and other apprentices, I learned as much as I could about the company and its values before tackling the interview and assessment.

“Happily, I was successful, and, because of Beyond Housing, I now have a home and security for me and my children and an opportunity to better myself doing something that I never thought would be possible. They really do put their equality and diversity policy into practice and the support and opportunities they provide to their customers and apprentices are second to none.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BEYOND HOUSING

CONTACT: Josh Mason on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Beyond Housing is one of the largest registered housing providers in the North East and North Yorkshire. With its regional offices in Redcar and Scarborough, the organisation is responsible for the letting, management and maintenance of over 15,000 homes across the North East and North Yorkshire.

Beyond Housing is committed to going beyond the bricks and mortar to help its communities and region thrive. By providing quality homes people want to live in alongside valuable additional services delivered by passionate people who want to help, Beyond Housing contributes to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of its communities, creating neighbourhoods that will flourish well into the future.