We have welcomed 17 new apprentices in one of our biggest intakes so far.
A highly successful open day in June saw more than 400 people visit our Head Office at Doxford Park to find out more about the range of apprenticeships available.
And as well as being one of the highest number of apprentices taken on in a single year, it has also been the most wide-ranging recruitment drive with roles this year including gas, plumbing, electrical, joinery, plastering, roofing, bricklaying, business administration, building surveying, housing and accountancy.
Among the new recruits is Thomas Hunter, 22 from Silksworth, who has started his joinery apprenticeship with us.
He said: “I wanted to do an apprenticeship at Gentoo as I know they put their customers first to ensure they are safe and satisfied in their homes. It’s a great opportunity for me to meet new people and learn new skills.”
This year, six of the new apprentices live in Gentoo properties. It forms part of a commitment to helping customers live independently in strong communities, with us giving priority to our customers who meet the relevant criteria for the apprenticeship scheme.
The new recruits are certainly a multi-talented group, both at work and in their outside interests, with their skills including writing and performing music and playing the piano, whilst also showing sporting prowess having spent time at the football academies of clubs including Sunderland AFC and Hartlepool United before joining Gentoo.
The roles provide on the job experience whilst the apprentices study towards their chosen qualifications.
Dylan Bainbridge, 17 from Town End Farm is amongst the new recruits and has started his Bricklaying apprentice with the organisation.
He said: “It’s been good so far and I’ve really enjoyed starting on the tools. It’s the best opportunity for me and I hope in five years time I’m a qualified bricklayer for Gentoo.”
Louise Bassett, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new apprentices to the organisation. Our successful open day showed us how popular these opportunities have now become and we’re proud to continue to offer apprenticeships within the organistion.
“It was lovely to meet all of our newest recruits in their first week and I’m really looking forward to seeing each and every one of them grow with us over the next couple of years.”
During their first week, the apprentices were given an induction bus tour to see the different services we offer across the city. They are now working with their mentors to start their qualification and learn on the job.
Since it was founded in 2001, we have created 326 apprenticeship opportunities with over 90% successfully completing their apprenticeship.
For more information about apprenticeships with us, click here.
