Earn as you Learn – Salix Homes launches apprenticeship recruitment drive

Salix Homes is launching ‘Earn as you Learn’ – an apprenticeship recruitment drive that helps local people kick-start their careers.

The registered housing provider, which owns and manages 8,500 homes in the city, is inviting applications from Salford residents for 11 new exciting roles.

Eighteen-month apprenticeships are available in Salix Homes’ 1st Response Security Team, Environmental Team, Customer Services Team and its Business Services Team.

As well as earning, successful applicants will study towards an NVQ level 2 qualification in subjects such as customer service, grounds maintenance and Business Administration.

Candidates are invited to attend two open days in June to find out more about apprenticeships with Salix Homes – and to meet former apprentices who have successfully been through the programme.

Lee Sugden, Salix Homes chief executive, said: “Salix Homes has an aim to support one local person into work or training every day of the year by 2020 and our apprenticeship programme is a key part of that ambition.

“Apprenticeships can provide the chance people need to go on to fulfil their potential. I myself was fortunate to be given a similar chance when I left school at 16 and I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in a position to offer these opportunities back, I would make sure I did.

“These are fantastic opportunities and I’d encourage anyone who lives in Salford and is looking to launch their career to drop into the open day to find out more.”

In the last three years, Salix Homes has recruited 17 apprentices to work across all areas of the organisation, with 70 per cent going on to secure permanent employment. Twenty-seven apprentices are also currently employed by the not-for-profit organisation’s construction partners delivering regeneration work its homes.

Higher Broughton resident Kade Hedgecock recently completed a one-year grounds maintenance apprenticeship with Salix Homes and has gone on to secure employment with a local company.

Kade said: “The apprenticeship at Salix Homes has given me the grounding I needed and boosted my skills and confidence.

“Before the Salix Homes apprenticeship I hadn’t had much luck on the work front. I’d tried joinery at college but it wasn’t for me and had been through a few jobs at call centres and in warehouses but didn’t like either.

“When I got the apprenticeship it was just what I needed; I’d finally found something I enjoyed doing. The role involved all aspects of looking after the grounds around Salix properties including grass cutting, spraying weedkiller, pruning, litter picking and fly-tipping removal. It’s the horticulture side I really took to and having the opportunity to study for an NVQ level 2 with YMCA Training set me up with the skills and knowledge I needed.”

Go to: www.salixhomes.org/earnto find out more and how to apply.

Or to find out more contact Jackie Crook on jackie.crook@salixhomes.org or 0161 779 8966.