HOUSING provider Incommunities has launched an apprentice recruitment drive.
The group, one of the district’s largest employers, is taking on a six-strong cohort.
Incommunities announced the move to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.
Apprentice roles to be filled are two joiners, two plumbers, an electrician and a gas engineer.
They will join 16 existing apprentices working across a range of trades within the association’s in-house services.
Apprenticeships at Incommunities typically last between two and four years, and combine on-the-job training with college-based learning at Leeds College of Building or Keighley College. Nationally-recognised trade qualifications are gained.
The group manages over 22,000 social homes in the Bradford district – including many across the Keighley area – and operates its own building services, horticultural services and estate cleaning teams.
Its workforce totals more than 900.
Antony Acomb, new talent and early careers advisor at Incommunities, says: “We are recruiting six new apprentices as part of our long-standing commitment to developing local trade skills and creating career opportunities across the Bradford district.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone living in the district who has an interest in learning a trade. Our apprenticeships are open to people of any age, and you don’t need previous trade experience – just a positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn.
“Last year we received nearly 1,000 applications for our apprentice roles, which shows just how valuable and in-demand these opportunities are.
“We’ve been running apprenticeships for more than 20 years and they bring immense value to our organisation while creating real, long-term opportunities for people in our communities.”
Current apprentices include 43-year-old Kelly Hodgson.
She embarked on a two-year apprenticeship in property maintenance after changing careers.
Kelly says: “After more than 20 years in childcare, I decided it was time for a change.
“I did a few DIY courses and really enjoyed them, and someone I knew who worked at Incommunities encouraged me to apply for an apprenticeship.
“I was apprehensive at first because I was older than a typical apprentice, but everyone has been extremely positive and welcoming. My age and life experience have actually been seen as a positive.
“I’m in college one day a week, which breaks the week up nicely, and the rest of the time I’m working with different trade teams. I’ve learned carpentry and basic electrical skills so far, and no two days are the same. I wish I’d made the change sooner.”
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For more details and to apply for an apprenticeship, visit incommunities.co.uk/apply-for-an-apprenticeship
Applications close on March 27.
