Bernicia building careers
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
We are seeing in the New Year with an apprenticeship programme that will help a group of local people lay the foundations for careers in the housing sector.
We received over 370 applications for roles in Business and Administration and Customer Services within the customer contact centre, as well as traditional trades like electrical, plumbing joinery and bricklaying within the Property and Estate Services team.
Nine successful applicants have now begun their apprenticeships and will be completing their NVQ training with Northumberland College who worked in partnership with us to advertise the vacancies.
Among our new starters is Katie Hall, 18, from Ashington, who has taken up a role in Customer Services. Katie recently moved into a Bernicia flat and is now beginning a career with us. She said: “When I found out I’d been chosen for the apprenticeship I was really grateful to be given such a great opportunity. I couldn’t believe that out of all the candidates that applied I’d been successful.
“I’m really looking forward to learning some new skills, progressing and gaining more knowledge about the job and the housing industry. Bernicia has big plans for the next few years so it will be great to be part of this and see how the company progresses in the future.”
The line-up is completed by Shane Bryson and Michael Corness, both 18, Lucy Dungey, Joe Gadsby and David McClenn, all 19, Ryan Clarke, 20, Ryan Irving-Carr, 21 and Emma Spratt, 33.
All of the new recruits are working towards an NVQ Level 2 qualification in their chosen discipline and will benefit from learning and training while working alongside experienced professionals, giving them the foundations for long and successful careers.
Debra Beattie, Head of Organisational Development, commented: “Bernicia’s vision is ‘making the difference’ and over the coming years we will continue doing just that, improving the lives of local people and neighbourhoods. The new headquarters and this business apprenticeship scheme are just two examples of how we are honouring this commitment.
“We were delighted to see so many people apply for the programme and it is fantastic that we’ve been able to help a selection on their way towards building a career in the housing sector. This will make a real difference to their lives, not to mention all the Bernicia residents who will benefit from the services we provide.”
We are committed to developing strong, cohesive and sustainable communities and understand that this is not achieved by simply providing bricks and mortar. Our involvement in job drives, apprenticeship schemes and community engagement activities are all examples of our commitment to this promise.