Go For It: Get An Apprenticeship with THH

Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) has helped to get 132 apprentices new training and work opportunities by teaming up with its Decent Homes contractors.

Such has been the success of the programme that almost half of all the apprentices have been offered full-time work or further training with the contractors.
Across the borough energetic Decent Homes’ apprentices are covering all aspects of construction, from quantity surveying through to electricians, plumbers, carpentry and clerical work.

Thirty two per cent of the apprentices are women and more than half the trainees come from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

Celebrating the success of the project, as part of National Apprentice Week 2015, THH chief executive, Gavin Cansfield said:

‘Our apprenticeships  are helping local young people gain the right skills, experience and  training to access a more demanding and competitive job industry.

‘That so many have found full-time work or training following their apprenticeship is fantastic and shows just how receptive young people can be when they get the chance of quality training.

‘Our Decent Homes scheme is not only providing new kitchens and bathrooms but it’s bringing jobs and opportunities to Tower Hamlets residents.’

The apprenticeship programme is one of the community benefits of the Decent Homes works.

Ruhul Amin, who is gaining experience as an apprentice Resident Liaison Officer at Keepmoat’s Bentworth Court development, said:

‘My role at Bentworth Court involves liaising with residents to ensure they are up to date on progress with the project.

‘As an Apprentice Resident Liaison Officer I also deal with issues and queries residents may have as well as working closely with the site manager. My training has really helped me to build excellent practical and theoretical knowledge.’

Apprentice Business Support Officer, Mohammod Abdulla, 22, is now taking further training following his successful apprenticeship.  He said:

‘An apprenticeship is not making coffee for your boss, it’s a real job. I applied to be an apprentice administrative assistant because I was not really interested in doing hands-on trade type work.

‘People underestimate apprenticeships.  It is a real job and you learn things that you cannot be taught.  You can really move on in life with an
apprenticeship and learn things for yourself that a classroom can’t teach you.

‘If you get this chance, go for it.’