Homes Work finishes with 1,892 apprentice pledge

Politicians, housing providers, sector bodies, developers and contractors have united behind Inside Housing’s campaign to boost training and apprenticeships.

Homes Work, launched in February, shouted about the good work the sector is doing to help people into work. It also pushed organisations to deliver more, and demonstrate investment not only helps the housing crisis but brings economic benefits to communities.

As the four-month drive draws to a close this week, more than 100 organisations and individuals have committed their support, with 78 social landlords pledging to provide at least 1,892 apprenticeships and training opportunities during 2014/15.

Neville Hounsome, group human resources director at 50,000-home Hyde Group, which is providing 10 apprenticeships this year, said its programme made a long-term investment in applicants’ careers.

‘By providing apprenticeship opportunities we’re also helping young people, many of them from communities where Hyde has a strong presence, to get a job and realise their potential,’ he added. The organisation has secured 47 apprentice and 88 work placements with contractors and its social investment team Hyde Plus’ work and enterprise initiatives.

Residential developers have put up hoarding at building sites in a number of the United Kingdom’s major cities including London, Leeds and Liverpool stating the number of apprenticeships they are providing.

‘We will hopefully leave a longer lasting legacy of skilled, trained and employable workers which will help to reduce unemployment in these areas in the future,’ said Brendan O’Malley, managing director of Mulalley, which expects to offer 47 apprenticeships this year.

The campaign, run in partnership with the social enterprise Building Lives, which runs training academies in London, attracted cross-party political support, with Conservative housing minister Kris Hopkins, Labour’s shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds and Liberal Democrat business secretary Vince Cable among the backers.

Other supporters include the Chartered Institute of Housing, the National Housing Federation and the National Federation of ALMOs.