This week is National Apprenticeship Week.
Alongside our trained and experienced Tradesmen, the Housing Direct Works Team helps to support apprenticeships.
We have done this for many years. One of our first apprentices completed his training, became one of our qualified Plumbers and continues to work with us as a Gas Engineer. His success and commitment to our service paved the way for others to follow.
At the moment, the service supports two apprentice Plumbers, one Mechanic and one Electrician. They attend college to attain their qualification, and also work with experienced tradesmen to learn and become competent.
Managers in the service are pleased to support apprentices to come into the construction industry so that we can provide good tradesmen for the future. As well as learning their technical trade, apprentices also learn what our tenants expect to see for good customer care when we visit their homes.
We are incredibly proud of our four apprentices and all that they have accomplished so far. They are successful and committed to our service.
Our electrical apprentice, Charlie, has recently been awarded Apprentice of the Year by Cannock Technical College. This award is a testament to the high standards he consistently demonstrates.
Our apprentices, Pawel, Mitch, Richard and Charlie have kindly provided statements describing their experience working as apprentices for North Warwickshire Borough Council.
Pawel said: ‘I'm pleased that North Warwickshire Borough Council chose me for an apprentice plumber amongst other candidates and assigned me to their most experienced mentors. I've been given a chance to learn different aspects of plumbing and heating systems from domestic houses to multi storey buildings. Further, I also received support from colleagues from other trades. Now, I'm working also independently to solve plumbing issues for tenants from our council.’
Richard said: ‘My apprenticeship at the council has been a difficult one but I am incredible grateful to all the tradesmen I have worked alongside. From day one they made me feel welcome and supported. I was lucky enough to have knowledgeable and patient mentors in Steve Cannon and David Milligan to impart their wisdom teach me the art of plumbing. I also had the benefit of working alongside other trades who always took the time to indulge my questions and teach me new skills. I would not have the ability and confidence I have now without the support of the team at HDW and I will always be grateful to them.’
Charlie said: ‘I've been at NWBC HDW for just over two years now, when I started I was put with other electricians to gain knowledge alongside my college course, after ten months I was sent with a contractor to gain more knowledge on the industrial side of electrics I thoroughly enjoyed this experience as it expanded my knowledge on the other side of the electrical world. I am now back with HDW and have been tasked with smaller jobs on my own which has helped build my confidence, and have recently overseen a rewire project where I ordered materials and took lead over John and Ady as I instructed on what to do, Ian has been a massive help throughout my journey always providing me with support when needed and pushing me to be as best as I can. I have just completed my first year at college and am midway through the second now with all exams passed to date and portfolio work being maintained with my college tutor happy with my progress.’
Mitch said: 'I'm Mitch and I'm an apprentice mechanic for North Warwickshire Borough Council. I am part of a 3 person team that maintain a fleet of refuse vehicles, vans and ride-on mowers. Every day is completely different from the last, one day I could be sweating in the back of a bin lorry and the next I could be miles away from the depot we're based at recovering a van from a flood. As I'm the apprentice I naturally get all the unfavorable jobs, such as washing out the back of a cesspit tanker or scraping the nappies and dog poo bags out the back of a bin lorry on a hot day (you get used to the smell) but I wouldn't change a thing. It's not an easy job, in our little garage that stinks of oil, diesel and rubbish, but not once have I been bored in the year I've been there. I started my 3 year course at Rodbaston College in November and I do one day a week, every Tuesday. The college has a very well equipped workshop and a great variety of cars to work on, that combined with a knowledgeable and experienced tutor makes for a great college course.'
Our apprentices’ dedication, commitment, and hard work are truly commendable, and we are pleased to recognise the significant progress they have each made in their trades. Each day, they demonstrate a passion for learning and a strong work ethic, and we want to ensure that their efforts never go unnoticed.
We remain fully committed to supporting their ongoing development and celebrating their achievements as they continue to grow into skilled professionals, contributing to the future of our industry.
Councillor Denise Clews, Chair of the Housing Task and Finish Group, said: "We’re committed to investing in apprenticeships at North Warwickshire Borough Council, and we’re confident that the next generation of tradesmen will keep up the high standards that we’ve built over the years. This will help ensure our service stays strong, dependable, and able to meet the needs of our tenants for many years to come. We are proud to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of apprentices across North Warwickshire, highlighting their hard work, dedication, and the invaluable contributions they make to our community."