Knowsley-based Livv Housing Group has welcomed 13 new apprentices to the company. As one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the borough, the housing association continues to pave the way for the next generation of young talent.
Livv has hired apprentices in a variety of areas across the business including health and safety, gas engineer, electrical, painting and decorating, sales and leasehold, customer insight, IT, HR and assets.
Three of the apprentices have joined after successfully completing their six-month Kickstart Scheme at Livv.
This year’s cohort also includes a female painting and decorating apprentice which is significant for the business in supporting and encouraging more women into construction and trade-based careers.
Ring-fenced for 16 to 24-year-olds living in Knowsley, apprentices will complete additional qualifications related to their area of work, alongside their on-the-job training.
Sharon Marsh, Executive Director of Resources, said: “As Knowsley is one of the only areas in the country without A level provision, it’s important to us as a local organisation that we’re continuing to offer young people other routes into study or work that don’t require them to travel out of the borough.
“We’re really proud of the success rate of our apprenticeships and how they’ve paved the way for over 170 young people to launch their careers, whether with us or externally. Some of our current employees started out as an apprentice with us and went on to secure a permanent role; many have even worked their way up into leadership roles.
“Our apprenticeships provide a platform for young local people to develop, learn and grow, and I’d like to wish the very best of luck to the new cohort. We’re looking forward to having you on board.”
The success rate of Livv’s apprenticeships continues to rise as two more former apprentices, Luke Duffy and Lewis Orr, recently secured permanent roles as gas engineers with the housing association.
Luke said: “Choosing to do an apprenticeship was the best decision I could’ve made, and it’s proven invaluable in helping me to secure a job. By working with different people every day and learning how to communicate and adapt to different situations, my apprenticeship hasn’t only given me job skills, but it’s also given me life skills. I was never treated like I was just an apprentice; I was a part of the team here from day one.”
Lewis said: “My family is very hands-on; my brother is an electrician and my brother-in-law is a plumber so I always knew I wanted to work in the trades. I didn’t know anything about gas before, but my apprenticeship has given me the knowledge, skills and confidence to be able to find my career. I’m over the moon to have secured a permanent role and I can’t thank everyone at Livv enough for all the support I’ve been given. It’s a great place to work.”
Livv is committed to 5% of its workforce being made up of apprentices from the Knowsley borough. To find out more about Livv Housing Group visit www.livvhousinggroup.com