This Employability Day, Minister for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance Kit Malthouse visited Sovereign Housing Association to meet Kimberley and Sharon, two of their apprentices. Sovereign provide homes across the South and South West of England, and the Isle of Wight, and offer apprenticeships to help people start new careers in later life.
Their innovative 'adult improver' scheme is aimed at women and older people looking for a change of direction, and covers plumbing, carpentry, electrical work and positions within customer service.
With over 60 places offered to youth apprentices, this programme offers something new.
Kimberley Wheatland was one of over 100 applicants who went for the Building for Future pilot, and is now on a 30-month programme. With six months dedicated to on-the-job learning, trainees get to know the business before moving on to studying for an NVQ2 in their chosen trade.
"Sovereign has been great, I'm learning everything by doing it hands on, and I’m bettering myself. If other women follow in my footsteps, then that’s even better."
A tripping electrical circuit lead Sharon to her new career. Sharon found she enjoyed the problem solving element of fixing her daughter’s kettle, and decided to retrain as an electrician after working in a production role.
With no experience, Sharon was unsure of where to start. Sovereign recognised her enthusiasm, and after an informal interview arranged two weeks of work experience – working closely with the Jobcentre. After the first fortnight, Sharon stayed for two more weeks.
"The trades team were so patient and explained everything to me - I had so many questions."
"I helped wire in extractor fans, heaters, and light fittings, changed a shower and a fluorescent strip light. I've also learned about live and dead testing, checking to see whether the home meets safety standards, and repaired switches, sockets, pendants and pull chords. I learned so much!"
With her newfound confidence and experience, Sharon has applied for an electrician’s apprenticeship and will be interviewed soon.
To find out more about opportunities in your local area, speak to your local Jobcentre Plus.
