Celebrating our Apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week
Our Repairs and Maintenance partner, Mitie, who run Golding Services, currently employ around 419 apprentices across their organisation, both trade and vocational all undergoing full apprenticeships.
The trade apprenticeships are offered in conjunction with local colleges and involve one day per week studying, together with four days on site working with skilled tradesmen. The apprenticeships last for three years ending with a final City & Guilds qualification.
Through our Golding Services, we are able to offer Gas & Electric apprenticeships and currently have two Electrical Apprentices working for us. After their three year apprenticeship, many of our apprentices are successful in securing permanent roles within the team, once they have gained their qualifications.
Kaylum Larkin recently completed his three year Apprenticeship with Golding Services to become an Electrical Improver. Local to Maidstone, Kaylum had always wanted to become an electrician or work in a trade related profession.
He felt an apprenticeship would be the best route for him as he was keen to get ‘hands-on’ experience, whilst also studying part-time at a local college. He said “I felt an Apprenticeship was the best path for me to take to get the where I wanted to be. I have gained experience working in the trade, whilst training at the same time.”
Since completing his apprenticeship Kaylum has received his own work van and is very happy that he has been able to progress within his chosen career path and is already looking to undertake further training for a more qualified role within Golding Services.
When asked what advice he would give other young people looking at doing an apprenticeship, he said: “Go for it. Be committed to taking on big tasks, it is all worth it in the end. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
Ryan Torode and Alfie Strong are our two current Golding Services Apprentices who are studying to become Electricians. Ryan is in his second year of apprenticeship and is looking forward to the future with Golding Services. Ryan said: “My apprenticeship has helped me gain confidence and has taught me how to act in the workplace. Once I have completed my apprenticeship I will look for a higher role within Golding Services.”
Commenting on the Golding Services Apprenticeship programme, Mark Pearce, Electrical Supervisor said: “Taking on apprentices is a great way to invest in our future. Our apprentices are assets to the organisation, it is a pleasure to see them succeed and be the best they can.”
If you would like to find out more about Apprenticeships please contact our Employment Advisor, Amy Dennison on email amy.dennison@goldinghomes.org.uk.