Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) has recruited eight apprentices this year, joining seven others on their Apprenticeship Programme, allowing individuals to gain valuable skills and progress their career at Plymouth’s largest social housing landlord.
Three of our newest apprenticeship recruits, Danii, Ben and Jay, who are existing permanent employees embarked on apprenticeships at PCH this month, taking the next step in their career journey through our apprenticeship programme.
During our latest round of recruitment for plumbing, electrical, carpentry and gas apprenticeships, PCH received over 390 applications from candidates of outstanding calibre, filling the seven apprenticeship vacancies instantly. The vast number of high-quality applicants for the electrical apprenticeship encouraged PCH to extend the offering to two vacancies, opening the opportunity for another individual to kickstart their career journey with us.
Our apprenticeship vacancies are open to all individuals over 16 who are not undertaking any other formal education, and there is no upper age limit to an apprenticeship. PCH advertise all apprenticeships both internally and externally, offering the opportunity for existing staff to enhance their professional development and continue their career journey through an apprenticeship. Of the 15 apprentices, four are existing employees, with one of them nearing the end of their framework.
Danii, Ben and Jay who have already worked at PCH for a combined total of 20 years share why they wanted to take on an apprenticeship while remaining at PCH.
Meet Danii
Danii joined PCH in 2020 as a Customer Service Apprentice in the Business Support team, and over the years has moved to different teams within the organisation as an Administrator, including the Sheltered Housing, Communities and Communications, Marketing and External Affairs team.
This month, Danii started her new role as an Electrical Apprentice, working within the Electrical Team. She is excited as she embarks on her new challenge but looks back at her last five years at PCH with fond memories.
She said: “Working at PCH has allowed me to grow in ways I never anticipated, personally, intellectually and emotionally, and I am so grateful for every opportunity that I have been lucky enough to take on.
“I started working at PCH during lockdown, where I initially felt very unconfident and overwhelmed, but from day one everyone was accommodating and understanding, and the support I have received during my time working here has made all the difference.
“While working at PCH I have always felt heard, listened to and respected and I know that even the smallest interaction can make the most powerful and lasting impact, and I am very excited to start my second apprenticeship where I will learn more skills and have the opportunity to work even closer with our residents who are always at the heart of what we do.”
Meet Ben
Ben joined PCH in 2017 as a Ranger (Caretaker) in the Environmental Services team, later joining the grass cutting team, committing to different training courses to upskill him in his role along the way, and taking on other roles before becoming a Driver / Labourer in the Homes & Safety team.
This month, Ben left his current position to take on a Carpentry apprenticeship within the Carpentry team at PCH.
He said: “When I saw the advert for the apprenticeship available earlier this year, I was encouraged to go for it and here I am today, extremely grateful for the opportunity.
“I have always kept my eye out for a carpentry apprenticeship, as I knew this is something that I always wanted to do, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and learning new skills to help me in the next stage of my career.
“I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else, and I am grateful to want to come to work every day, with supportive colleagues and great management around me.”
Meet Jay
Jay joined PCH in 2018 as a Ranger in the Environmental Services team, working his way up over the years to a Chargehand and then an Assistant Team Leader in the Ad-hoc team within this department.
Jay started his new role as a Gas Engineering Apprentice this month.
He said: “I always wanted to learn a trade, and when I saw the job advert for the apprenticeship, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for me to develop my skills and career, all while remaining at PCH.
“I really enjoy working at PCH, and I align with the values of the organisation, and that everyone wants the best for our tenants, which is extremely important.
“There have always been good training opportunities through our Learning and Development team, and my job satisfaction is really high so I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
“I already know quite a few of my new colleagues so I am looking forward to working with them, meeting new people, learning new things and doing something I have always wanted to do.”
Danni Houston, HR Business Partner (Learning & Development) at PCH, said: "We are excited for our apprentices to start their next step in their career journey with us and our training partners which include Focus Training, City College Plymouth, PGL (part of Learning Curve Group) Greenlight Training, Achievement Training and JBC Skills.
“Working with apprentices is incredibly rewarding, and we love seeing them achieve their goals and embark on successful careers. They bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to PCH, and their contributions are invaluable.
“Each year we engage with local schools and attend careers events to promote our apprenticeship programme, as well as our extensive work experience offering, coordinating quality placements to raise aspirations of students and beyond. PCH has provided over 210 days of work experience to students from various parts of the city, which reflects on the number of applications received for apprenticeship positions.
“Colleagues from across PCH have a wealth of experience, and their high-level mentoring skills and genuine care have enabled our apprenticeship programme to excel.”
The opportunity to join PCH as a Business Administrator Apprentice within the Procurement team and a Business Analyst Apprentice within the Digital & IT team will soon be advertised via their PCH Careers Facebook Page or on their website.
The Learning and Development Team at PCH can be contacted via email at learningand.development@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk.
