FIVE new apprentices have started work at Halton Housing.

The firm welcomes Ben Jones (Business Admin Apprentice), Maciej Gretkowski (ICT Apprentice), Daniel Rogers (Joinery Apprentice), Rhys Gwillym (Joinery Apprentice) and Jamie MacDonald (Electrical Apprentice).

The apprentices will learn the skills needed for specific roles by shadowing colleagues and gaining hands-on experience ‘on the job’.

At the same time, they will also be studying for an academic qualification at Riverside College along the way in their relevant discipline. The apprenticeships vary in duration from 16 months to 42 months dependant on the specialism, with the aim being that they lead to permanent roles at Halton Housing.

The new opportunities have been possible thanks to efficiency savings which have been reinvested in the futures of young people in Halton.

With initial plans to recruit four apprentices, due to the quality and calibre of the applicants Halton positions were offered to five young people.

Halton Housing Learning and Development Officer, Karen Lopez said: “As one of the borough’s largest employers, providing local employment and improving people’s lives, we place immense value in investing in people.

"Apprentices make a vital contribution to our business and these new apprenticeship opportunities will make a real a difference and help launch exciting careers. We are looking forward to seeing our latest apprentices develop and grow into their apprentice roles.”

The apprentices were appointed following a rigorous recruitment process supported by Riverside College which saw over 265 people applying for the positions.