It’s a warm welcome from everyone at Bernicia to our new apprentices who have just taken their first steps into employment with us.
Bernicia’s Chief Executive John Johnston was there to meet the nine youngsters and introduce them to the business as part of a week-long induction.
The induction gives the Class of 2025 all the essential information and early training they need to progress into their roles – a process put in place by our Employability Team.
The youngsters have met their mentors and enthusiastically took part in a team building day at Slaley Hall to bring everyone together as they prepare to join Bernicia’s workforce.
Here’s the list of our new apprentices, their roles and respective teams:
- Rihanna Teesdale – Customer Contact
- Nathan Arries – Compliance team
- Aiden Brown – Bricklaying
- Oliver Hecel – Bricklaying
- Joe Craven – Plastering
- Spencer Keen – Plastering
- Jai Cole – Joinery
- Luke Hall – Joinery
- Bailey Grossett – Electrical
The new recruits will spend between 18 months and four years on our apprenticeship programme, in paid employment combined with one day’s training per week with local colleges and learning providers.
Over the past 13 years, around 80 young people have successfully completed their apprenticeships at Bernicia in roles spanning electricians, joiners, plumbers, plasterers and bricklayers through to housing assistants, IT support, procurement specialists and business administrators.
And over 95% of these apprentices have chosen to stay and pursue their careers with Bernicia, with some rising to senior roles within the business.
Jackie Johnson, Bernicia employability manager, said: “We have recruited a high quality, dynamic and resilient group of young people who are ready to start their careers in the world of work with Bernicia.
“Bernicia is a great place to work and they are getting the best possible start with good career prospects and development opportunities.
“I don’t think there is anywhere quite like here in terms of the colleague support they will receive, mentoring and leadership as well as pastoral support to ensure their welfare.”
The apprentices are pictured with John and Jenny Allinson, Bernicia’s Director of Corporate Governance, at Bernicia HQ in Ashington.
