Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2022

Helen has been an Area Works Coordinator Apprentice since September 2021, carrying out a variety of tasks, including liaising with our subcontractors to ensure repair works in residents’ homes are completed promptly.   

When Helen left college last summer, she already had some voluntary experience in customer service and was keen to have a career in this field – she is due to complete her apprenticeship in March 2023.  

We’ve invested in business apprenticeships for several years, with apprentices working in key business areas such as Customer Service, Accounts and Data Analysis.   

During 2021 we recruited seven business apprentices, with four of the graduating apprentices now working as full-time employees here at Guinness.  

Helen said: “I really enjoy being an apprentice as it is a great way to get a full-time job, whilst also undertaking relevant training at the same time. I recommend anyone interested in doing an apprenticeship to choose one which is most suited to your experience, interests and qualifications.” 

Hollie has been a Multi Skilled Apprentice Joiner with us since 2018, carrying out a variety of tasks, including the installation of fire doors.  In December 2021, Hollie won Apprentice of the Year at our staff Star Awards, for her excellent progression in the role and for her selfless support to colleagues and Guinness customers.   

As well as workplace training at Guinness, Hollie also completes coursework and is assessed on her progress by training provider, The Growth Company. Hollie passed her level two joinery course last year and she is due to complete her Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship in April 2023.  

We’ve invested in trade apprenticeships for a number of years, covering all the key trade areas such as Plumbing, Joinery, Plastering, Electrical and Property Maintenance.   

During 2021 we recruited seven trade apprentices, with six of the graduating apprentices now working as full-time employees here at Guinness.  

Hollie said: “Before I started my apprenticeship at Guinness I was a football coach for City in the Community, but I decided to become an apprentice as I wanted a new challenge, to learn new skills and to be in a job that is very much hands-on.   

“One day I would like to manage my own apprentice and help them with their career.”   

Working at our Points Cross development in Leeds, Jacob has been an Apprentice Construction Site Manager with the main scheme contractors, United Living New Homes, since September 2021.  

During his time at the residential development, Jacob has been learning about different management techniques as well as managing different sectors of the site, such as completing slab checks before concrete pours and writing daily reports and delivery schedules.  

Jacob’s workplace training is part of his Degree & Higher Apprenticeship course level four, five, and six and will be completed in 2025.  

Jacob said: “I really enjoy being an apprentice working at the Points Cross site and I am learning something new every day. Becoming an apprentice really has been the right choice for me. As well as doing course work, the hands-on site experience is invaluable. I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to start a career in the construction industry.” 

Greig Lees, Head of Development Delivery at Guinness said: “Apprenticeships are a vital way of promoting the skills we need now and in the future across the sector. We have been really impressed by Jacob’s attitude to his role and the progress he is making with his apprenticeship. He is a role model for anyone who would like to join the construction industry.”