News

A Worcester-based apprentice sharpened up her DIY skills this week during a job swap to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

Jeya Greenfield, a maintenance administration apprentice for leading UK housing and care provider Sanctuary Group, swapped her desk for a day handling repairs at residents’ homes with the Group’s Internal Maintenance Service (IMS) team.

The young apprentice carried out a variety of tasks during her rounds including fixing a damaged fence and improving security to a resident’s front door under the guidance of IMS operative Mark Baddrick.

As well as helping with repairs, Jeya was able to meet residents and gain an insight into the daily work of Sanctuary’s maintenance operatives.

Speaking on her experience, Jeya said: “I’ve never done anything like this before so it was a whole new experience for me but something I really enjoyed.

“I normally produce the repairs reports for the maintenance team so it was good to see the work that goes into helping our residents and the skills I’ve learnt will allow me to do odd jobs around the house when I have a home of my own!”

IMS operative Mark added: “Jeya did a fantastic job and the residents we visited really warmed to her. We don’t traditionally see many women in our trade and it would be great to see more involved.”

The activity was just one of a number organised by Sanctuary in support of National Apprenticeship Week – an annual event, organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which celebrates the talents and skills of apprentices and the value of apprenticeship programmes.

Established in 2007, Sanctuary operates a UK-wide Apprenticeship scheme which helps provide support to a variety of different business operations across the Group. Sanctuary is one of the country’s leading providers of apprenticeships and the Group currently employs 187 apprentices, of which 83 are employed directly and 104 indirectly through partnership arrangements with development contractors.

Successful candidates take part in specifically designed programmes, providing them with the opportunity to study for practical qualifications, gain on-the-job experience and a strong grounding in a particular aspect of the business, whilst improving their confidence and self-esteem.

Programmes are currently up and running in several business areas including finance, IT, business administration, health and social care, housing, maintenance and horticulture. Plans are also in place to extend the programme with the launch of specialist housekeeping and activities apprenticeships.

For more information on the apprenticeship opportunities available at Sanctuary visitwww.sanctuary-apprenticeships.co.uk