First Choice Homes Oldham pledges to double apprenticeships by 2027
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has pledged to double its number of apprenticeships by 2027, increasing from 11 to 22, as announced during National Apprenticeship Week. The initiative aims to provide opportunities for both young and older workers to learn new skills across various departments.
First Choice Homes Oldham will double its apprenticeship intake to 22 by 2027, the housing association announced today during National Apprenticeship Week.
The pledge from new chief executive Mark Gifford will see the current cohort of 11 apprentices expand next year before reaching the 22-target in two years’ time. The expansion spans departments from business administration to electrical work and includes both teenagers and workers in their 40s.
Seventeen-year-old Angelise Johnston, an apprentice joiner in the voids team that repairs empty properties, embodies the programme’s reach. “Doing a two-year apprenticeship in joinery while working is a great experience,” said Johnston, from Dobcross. “I have lots of ideas and get to apply what I learn at Oldham College immediately, so I’m constantly using my learning to upskill.”
Johnston’s interest began with a GCSE in construction and family encouragement. “My dad - who did a lot of woodwork - has always been really encouraging and wanted me to learn new skills that would help me in the future,” she said. “Being a woman in this industry doesn’t faze me. If you’re a woman and if you feel like you want to do a trade, just go for it - there’s nothing that’ll stop you.”
Gifford said apprenticeships bridge the gap between job-seekers’ skills and industry needs while building a talent pipeline for the borough. “As an anchor organisation here in Oldham we must expand the opportunity,” he said.
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