NEWS
LEARNING ON THE JOB
Further success for Gentoo ’ s apprentices
Plasterer – Gentoo apprentice Neal Scott .
Gentoo is a large housing association in Sunderland that owns and manages around 30,000 properties and provides 60,000 tenants with a place they can call home .
It is one of the largest organisations in Sunderland , employing more than 1,000 people . And as one of the city ’ s main anchor institutions , it recognises it is uniquely positioned to make a real positive difference to the lives of tenants and residents on Wearside .
Since the group was founded in 2001 , Gentoo has created more than 300 apprenticeship opportunities in Sunderland . The most recent intake last year saw the group recruit 15 apprentices in a range of different roles across the business , including business administration , plastering , joinery , electrical , gas and security systems .
As the UK faces a skills shortage , the popularity of apprenticeships is on the rise . Gentoo believes this is due to the benefits apprenticeships now offer both jobseekers and employers . Apprenticeships give people the chance to study while gaining on-the-job experience working within one of its teams .
Neale Scott is in his late 30s and is currently in the second year of his plastering apprenticeship at Gentoo after leaving his job of 13 years as a taxi driver . Neale attends Newcastle College on day release once a week . Day release at college ensures that skills , knowledge and behaviours learned on the job are combined with regular off-the-job
Apprentice - Neale Scott , right , with colleague Jack Dixon .
learning . Throughout the pandemic , Neale , like many other taxi drivers , faced a huge loss of demand due to people staying in the house more . That ’ s when he decided to look for a job that would give him the opportunity to gain a trade and stability for his young family .
Neale ’ s day-to-day role involves him working in both occupied and void properties , plastering small areas . More recently , Neale has been given the opportunity to work on a large investment programme with one of the group ’ s contractors , Esh Construction , which is carrying out internal modernisations . The modernisation sees properties benefit from new kitchens and / or bathrooms . This is a great opportunity for Neale which allows him to experience all elements of plastering .
As an employer , Gentoo also benefits from hiring apprentices as it allows “ futureproofing ” at a time when it has an ageing workforce . Its apprentices work alongside skilled colleagues who are able to share their knowledge and experience of the trade .
Gentoo has a proven track record of creating permanent positions once apprentices have qualified , allowing the group to grow talent from within , with many colleagues who once started as an apprentice now in managerial roles .
Neale said : “ My apprenticeship with Gentoo allows me to earn and learn while also gaining valuable hands-on experience . It also enables me to have a great work-life balance .
“ The skills I am learning are vital and will enable me to gain a permanent job as a plasterer .”
Alex Hammond , head of learning and organisational development at Gentoo Group , said : “ Apprenticeships are a great example of demonstrating how committed we are to investing in our workforce .
“ They provide a strong foundation for apprentices to start a career in their chosen occupation .
“ No matter who you are or where you are from , an apprenticeship will open doors for you . They are available for people of all ages and backgrounds at any stage of their career .”
Details of Gentoo ’ s apprenticeship opportunities are due to be released in the summer on its website and social media pages .
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