Broadacres Unveil the Apprenticeship Class of 2018

A WOMAN who sold her hairdressing business to pursue her dream of a career in property is one of three new apprentices recently appointed by a housing association.

Lauren Taylor, along with Matthew Benson and Robert Knaggs, are the latest to start apprenticeships with Broadacres.

The trio were selected following a rigorous selection process which involved an initial assessment process followed by formal interviews.

Lauren, from Thirsk, has started a four-year Construction Technical Apprenticeship which will cover everything from surveying properties through to planning and managing construction sites.

It’s a major change of direction for Lauren, who recently sold her hairdressing business in Romanby, Northallerton to enable her to take up this new role.

She explained: “After I left school I initially studied quantity surveying at college before deciding to do any apprenticeship in hairdressing.

“This led to me owning my own salon but deep down I knew property was the long-term career for me, so when the apprenticeship opportunity at Broadacres came up, I applied and I am delighted to have been accepted.
“Over the next four years I will get to learn everything about the property and construction section, with Broadacres, which will give me great experience for the future.”

Matthew, 27, from Darlington, has started a four-year apprenticeship as a heating engineer.

He said: “I was working in retail for a supermarket chain, but I have always wanted to get a trade and as a heating engineer I am going to learn to maintain and repair oil and gas heating systems and this will hopefully lead to a full-time job with Broadacres at the end of my apprenticeship.”

Robert, 27, from Eaglescliffe, has started a four-year apprenticeship as an electrical engineer.

He said: “I worked in the agricultural sector but was keen to learn a trade that will provide me with greater opportunities in the future and with Broadacres’ support I am looking forward to developing my new career.”

A total of 60 people applied for the three apprenticeships advertised by Broadacres in 2018. From this, 27 were invited to an initial assessment which involved various personal and team-building exercises.
Everyone was scored at the assessments and this resulted in a short-list of candidates who were invited for a formal interview.

Andy Powell, Broadacres’ Customer Experience Director, said: “This is the third year of our formal apprenticeship programme and we never cease to be amazed by the popularity of the roles we advertise.
“Over the years, the apprenticeships we have appointed have either gone on to full-time employment with Broadacres or secured jobs elsewhere, and we look forward to seeing Lauren, Matthew and Robert developing their skills with us.
“Even though our 2018 apprentices have just started with us, we are now already planning our 2019 apprenticeship programme.”

The apprenticeships are once again being provided in partnership with Middlesbrough College.