Home Group builds the workforce of tomorrow

Citation

(2012), "Home Group builds the workforce of tomorrow", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 44 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2012.03744eaa.004

Home Group builds the workforce of tomorrow

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 44, Issue 5

One of the UK’s largest social-housing providers is creating 215 new apprenticeships that will create opportunities across a range of work roles from building trades to home care.

Home Group, which has more than 50,000 properties in England, Scotland and Wales, will take on 72 apprenticeships itself as well as including a commitment in its latest £320 million repairs and maintenance contracts that suppliers will include workforce development as part of the services they deliver.

National contractors including Willmott Dixon, Morrison, Roalco and Mears have all committed themselves to create new apprenticeship opportunities – equivalent to more than 140 six-month placements – that will provide on-the-job experience.

Rosemary Du Rose, Home Group executive director of customer services, said: “Home Group has a strong pedigree in offering career opportunities to people from all backgrounds across the UK. In the current economic climate, it is more vital than ever that employers committed to their communities give young people the chance to get a taste of the workplace and an opportunity for career progression.

“I am delighted that our partners, who are due to start on our new repairs and maintenance contracts soon, are as committed as we are to creating apprenticeships. This is a shining example of positive procurement practices which all five contractors were very willing to engage with.”

The Home Group apprenticeship scheme will involve structured training and learning while helping trainees to work toward a nationally recognized qualification.

Rosemary Du Rose concluded: “Home Group works at the heart of local communities, both in terms of the way it addresses housing needs ranging from inner-city London to more remote rural communities, and also with a cross-section of vulnerable people. In total we help more than 100,000 people in the UK each year.

“The diversity of roles that we can offer apprenticeships directly or via our partners will give people enrolling on our scheme valuable skills for their future careers as well as a deeper understanding of the society in which they live.”