Carpentry apprentices secure permanent roles at Citizen

Carpentry apprentices secure permanent roles at Citizen

We’re delighted to have recruited three of our Maintenance Operations apprentices on a permanent basis.

Harry McCann, 21, James Rafferty, 21 and Zain Noor, 19, were all taken on as carpentry apprentices in Coventry in 2023. They’ve learned and developed so well that they’ll now be staying with us as fully qualified members of the team.

Zain will be working with Voids, making sure homes are ready for new customers. Harry and James will be working with the reactive repairs team.

It’s part of our commitment to upskilling and employing local young people.

All three have gained their NVQ 2 qualifications during their apprenticeships and will now continue to learn alongside their more experienced colleagues.

Zain said he has had a great experience of the apprenticeship programme.

He said: “I joined when I was 17 – I’d finished school and completed a year of college. I knew I wanted to be a carpenter so when this opportunity came up, I knew I had to go for it.

“Everyone has been really supportive, and I’ve learned a lot. I’ve spent a lot of time fitting kitchens and most recently I’ve been in the Voids Team.

“I’ve learned a trade and also other skills too – I’ve just done some plumbing training to build my skills and help me support customers better.

“I’m pleased I now have the security of a permanent job here. I’d really recommend an apprenticeship to other young people who might be finishing school or college soon.”

Harry said: “When I came here I had minimal experience in the world of work and now I’m fully qualified in a trade. I’ve been supported all the way through and thanks to that I have a career that will set me up for life. I’m very happy to be part of the Citizen team.”

James added: “The support I’ve had has been brilliant. When I got the phone call to say I could have a permanent job I was so pleased. I’ve learned a lot already but I’m looking forward to the future now.”

Our Director of Operation Steve Kirk said: “We’re delighted that Harry, Zain and James will be staying with us. Apprenticeships are a big investment but when we get three really great colleagues at the end of them like Harry and Zain, it’s a real success story – for us, for them and for our customers too, who will benefit from their skills for years to come.”

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