Eleven Barnet residents are set to gain new skills to kickstart their careers after joining Barnet Homes through a newly expanded apprenticeship scheme.

The apprentices will be developing their skills over the next 12 months in a number of different services offered by the arm’s length management organisation (ALMO), which manages 15,000 homes on behalf of Barnet Council along with housing advice and allocations services.

They will receive pay and will spend one day a week studying for a nationally recognised apprenticeship award, which will include a Chartered Institute of Housing qualification and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

This year’s apprenticeship scheme attracted interest from dozens of residents. Residents were invited to an information evening to learn more about the scheme before going through a formal application and interview process.

Barnet Homes Chief Executive, Tracey Lees, said: “I’m extremely proud to welcome the 11 new apprentices to Barnet Homes. We’re delighted to have them on board and wish them every success as they start a career in housing with us.

“We pride ourselves on involving residents in all that we do, and that includes working for Barnet Homes itself. As one of the largest employers in the borough we want to help residents find work, especially younger tenants and school leavers who are finding it harder in the difficult economic climate to find a way into employment.”

This year’s apprentices are:

  • Vee Bairam of Hendon, NW4
  • Shabina Cannon ofEast Finchley, N2
  • Joseph Kao of Colindale, NW9
  • Ross Laney of Whetstone, N20
  • Liam McCarthy of Whetstone, N20
  • SemiraMurrayof Barnet, EN5
  • David Piotrowicz of Barnet, EN4
  • Charles Oluyede ofEast Finchley, N2
  • Lux Suresh of Hendon, NW4
  • Louise Taylor of Barnet, EN5
  • Shani Wilson-Tutu of Edgware HA8

Vee Bairam, who is starting her apprenticeship in Barnet Homes’ Contact Centre, said: “I’m happy about getting this chance to progress in life. This is the best career path for me as I’d like to work as a housing officer one day.”

Apprentice Shani Wilson-Tutu, based with Barnet Homes’ Leaseholder Services team, added: “I’m pleased to be an apprentice, because I put all my effort into finding a good job and I’ve finally been picked after all the years of searching. I’m looking forward to helping people and helping Barnet Homes reach their targets, as well as having a working life and being part of a new team.”

Another apprentice, Charles Oluyede. has been taken on at the Barnet Furniture Centre, which was set up by Barnet Homes in 2011. He will also be gaining knowledge and experience about housing with the other apprentices.

Four residents who completed Barnet Homes’ first apprenticeship scheme last year have now been recruited to long-term positions within the company.