We are really pleased to announce that Community Housing is a finalist in the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2023 – Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category and that our training provider, Kidderminster College has been nominated in the Apprentice Champion of the Year category.
Additionally, our training provider, Kidderminster College, has been nominated for the Apprentice Champion of the Year award.
We have always been committed to investing in our workforce and building a stronger community, and our People Strategy focuses on nurturing talent through apprenticeships and addressing the challenge of an aging workforce.
Our People Strategy focuses on nurturing talent through apprenticeships and addressing the challenge of an aging workforce. "We are extremely proud to be recognized as a finalist in the Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category," said Matt Cooney, Chief Executive of Community Housing. "Investing in our apprentices not only helps us develop skilled and knowledgeable employees but also ensures a smooth succession plan for when our long-serving colleagues retire."
Our apprenticeship program offers valuable opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds to gain hands-on experience while working towards qualifications. We believe that providing these opportunities not only benefits their own workforce but also contributes to building a stronger and resilient business to continue to deliver excellent services to our customers.
Our apprenticeship program has contributed to our positive reputation as an employer of choice. The support given throughout the apprenticeship programme, such as mentors for guidance, monthly check ins, workwear discounts and inclusion in the CHPlus programme ensures that we have a high retention rate. We also prioritise training within the business to ensure apprentices gain essential skills and knowledge beyond their qualifications.
Apprenticeships help us address the skills gap by "growing our own" talent and filling critical positions within our organisation. By working with training providers, such as Kidderminster College, apprentices learn the most up-to-date skills and techniques, which they then bring back to our organisation. They challenge us to continually improve and evolve, questioning if there's a better way to do things.
Over the past 5 years, we have employed 43 individuals into apprentice roles in areas including IT, Finance, HR, Trades and more.
In addition, 37 existing colleagues have undergone an apprenticeship qualification via the Apprenticeship Levy, to support their development and to upskill. All 37 colleagues remain within the business, with many progressing onto the next stage of their career.
The Awards Event is due to take place on Thursday 16th November at West Midlands Safari Park from 6pm.
