National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of apprenticeships. It brings together the whole apprenticeship community to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy.
Jigsaw Housing Group has been supporting apprenticeships over the years and currently has 31 apprentices and eight improvers across seven locations within the Group.
Our apprentices are focused, ambitious and driven individuals who want to progress their career. Two of our apprentices recently won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ with Tameside College in Ashton-under-Lyne for their trades last week. Well done to:
- Samuel McLeod – Apprentice Gas Technician: Level 2
- Daniel Philips – Apprentice Plumber: Level 3
Jigsaw Group offers a diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities that include joinery, plumbing, roofing, business, management, housing/property management, customer service, human resources, and administration.
The apprenticeship programmes range from 18 months to four years in length – dependent on the role. Throughout the programme, apprentices enjoy a bespoke development plan – tailored to the individual and the role with clear milestones, regular feedback and positive mentoring.
In addition to this, our apprentices have access to an established support network of ‘past and present’ apprentices to provide every opportunity for them to flourish.
Over the course of this week, we will be updating the news with stories from our own apprentices and what they think it’s like working within Jigsaw Group.
Monica’s story – Connect
“I started as an apprentice in Connect-Repairs East team on 1 April 2019 after I completed work experience and I joined the team a few months ago as Connect Advisor on the Repairs team. At Jigsaw Homes, I have an apprentice role that gives me the opportunity to work with different people and gain a clear understanding of the types of needs and/or disabilities some tenants may have. This range of needs can vary from mental health issues, disabilities or learning difficulties. This has enabled me to be more patient and to cater any questions I ask to the tenants needs.
“Whilst working at Jigsaw Homes Group as an apprentice, I will gain my qualification for Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard for Customer Service Practitioner.
“I believe my qualification will help create more work opportunities in the future as this qualification will provide me with a variety of knowledge and skills which I will be able to adapt to multiple roles. I’m hoping to achieve more confidence and to develop skills which will help me when it comes to applying for a permanent role for Jigsaw Homes.”
Mary Jane’s story – Gedling Homes response
“I started my apprenticeship with Gedling Homes Response in December 2017.
“When I first started at Gedling Homes, my main tasks/responsibilities were to assist my colleagues with general office duties. After I passed my Level 2 in Business Administration, I received my new title as Administration Assistant in September 2019.
“I am now completing my Level 3 in Business Administration. As part of my Level 3 course, I have been tasked with managing my own project: I have now created a new procedure to improve the timeliness of van check sheets being submitted for all staff that have use of a company vehicle.
“Over the course of my apprenticeship I have gained valuable experience, improved my confidence and have created great working relationships with my colleagues.”
If you are interested in an apprenticeship with Jigsaw Group, please get in touch.
