Kerry Hyland, apprentice electrician with CHG Property Services (part of The Community Housing Group) was recently a finalist in Best Apprentice Over 25 category of the national Women in Construction awards ceremony.
The 28 year old was nominated because of her willingness to learn and develop new skills in her trade, whilst balancing caring for her young daughter and being an active member of the Territorial Army. Kerry self-financed the first stage of her training and achieved a level 2 City and Guilds before joining CHG property Services in 2011.
Since then, she has gone on to complete the Testing and Inspection City and Guilds programme in just 18 months and has inspired her fellow apprentices to push themselves further.
“I love the technical challenges of being an electrician and have been really happy with my apprenticeship. You need to give it 100% and have patience when you are learning, but it’s very rewarding when you solve a tricky repair problem”.
The Community Housing Group has been recognised as an Apprenticeship Ambassador for the Wyre Forest because of their encouragement and support given to local business for the development of apprenticeship programmes. This has included a series of networking events and exhibitions as well as supporting schools, colleges and taking part in careers fairs.
Since 2000, they have helped 46 young people to achieve professional qualifications in a range of careers including horticulture, bricklaying, plumbing, electrics, carpentry, business administration, marketing and finance.
Executive Director of Vestia and Corporate Services, Marina Banner explained that apprenticeships play an important role in the Group’s Local Employability Strategy.
“There has never been a more challenging time for young people looking for work. The Welfare Reform Act will have a major impact on benefits and household composition with many young people potentially forced out of the family home to avoid over occupation charges. We are committed to working with our partners, suppliers and other local organisations to find opportunities for work experience and apprenticeships to help improve their chances of getting a job”.
The Group’s training arm, Vestia Training has established a successful programme to help local people gain employment. They support learners through a series of sessions and look at issues which could be a barrier to success. Since March 2012, 45 learners have successfully attained a nationally accredited employability qualification, with 19 of the participants finding jobs as a result of the course. A further 4 have moved into further learning.
