Published November 13th, 2019
A leading Cornish social housing provider has recruited four new apprentices to its growing team.
St Austell-based Ocean Housing Group offers vocational training in a variety of trades and business services. This new cohort of apprentices will be studying electrics, heating, and plumbing.
Ocean Housing Group’s chief executive, Mark Gardner said: “We have a strong reputation for our apprenticeship scheme, and I think this is reflected in the quality of applications this year.
“We offer a competitive salary, paying the national minimum wage rather than the standard apprentice rate, and provide good job prospects for the apprentices once they have finished training. This has helped us to attract a wide range of candidates, not just school leavers, but also those looking for a change in career.”
The company recently won an award for outstanding commitment to training at the Excellence in Business Training Awards 2019, and was also recognised as the runner-up in the outstanding commitment to apprenticeships category.
33-year old Mike Barnard has joined Ocean as an apprentice electrician. He said: “I always thought apprenticeships were for teenagers, but this is definitely not the case. I really enjoy being tested and learning a new trade.
“I worked in leisure for 12 years, then moved to retail as a deputy manager of a supermarket. But I wanted a better work-life balance, so when I saw Ocean was recruiting for apprentices, I started to do my research. Having purchased a shared ownership home with Ocean, I was already aware of the company. I also have friends who work here and gave it a good recommendation.
“The career change is definitely working for me, as I have already seen my children more in the past six weeks, compared to the last six months. Ocean has been fantastic – they put a lot of effort into looking after their staff, and I even met the CEO on my first day.”
Ocean Housing Group actively promotes the construction and social housing sector as a career of choice. Through links with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the company has been involved in a series of school visits to talk about careers in construction.
Heather Taylor, HR coordinator at Ocean Housing Group said: “It’s well known that there is a skills shortage in the construction sector and we are always trying to attract more women in construction, which is why we work so closely with local schools to try and improve the perception of the industry, and the jobs available.
“Our apprenticeship scheme is helping to build a pipeline of qualified trade and admin staff, which will help to address the increasing housing demand within our sector.”
Ocean Housing Group is currently recruiting for two business administration apprentices. For more information on the jobs and apprenticeships available visit: oceanhousing.com/home/about-us/jobs.
