Guinness Partnership Celebrates Success of Apprentice Programme for National Apprentice Week

To mark National Apprentice Week (8-14 Feb) The Guinness Partnership (@YourGuinness), housing association, celebrates its apprenticeship programme and the value that apprenticeships bring to local communities.

The Guinness Partnership has invested in trade apprenticeships for a number of years, recognising that apprentices are part of the next generation of operational workers and managers.

This year is the 14th annual National Apprenticeship Week, coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service. This annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships across England, is a time to recognise and applaud apprenticeship success stories across the country. 

During 2021 Guinness intends to recruit another 14 apprentices to continue to strengthen the apprenticeship programme, and the scheme will be extended to cover professional services and ‘office’ based roles.

Business Administration Apprentice, Sana Taskeen said: “I chose to do an apprenticeship because for me I found it more ideal, rather than going to university. I love learning new things and challenging myself, so choosing an apprenticeship was a great choice. I am enjoying my time at Guinness working with nice and approachable colleagues who are always willing to help.”

Former Apprentice and now full-time Guinness employee, Jake Day said: “I chose an apprenticeship as I always wanted to have a trade. That is why I started work straight after school and college, instead of going to university. I love my job and working for Guinness as a qualified plumber has given me the best chance possible to make something of my life.”

Guinness Service Manager and Apprentice Mentor, Bryan Beaumont said: “A successfully completed apprenticeship is just as good, or more so in some cases, as any academic qualification. Our successful apprenticeship scheme ensures Guinness has a strong foundation for a future workforce.”

Kat Healy, Training Manager at the Guinness Partnership said: “Apprenticeships are a key way of promoting skills development and increasing diversity across the construction and housing maintenance sectors. Since the Covid-19 restrictions were announced last year our apprentices, and their mentors, have shown great dedication to their work. I’m so proud of all our apprentices, who are still able to complete their qualifications and provide a valuable, Covid-safe, service to their communities during this difficult time.”

Even though 2020 was a difficult year, due to the Covid pandemic, through support and dedication Guinness saw ten apprentices fully complete their apprenticeship, with eight of those ten becoming full time employees of Guinness.

Guinness currently has 18 trade apprentices, across the following trades: Electrical, Plumbing, Property Maintenance and Joinery. All of them have been provided with tablets and mobile phones so they can continue their training during the pandemic and ensure they have the best possible support to enable them to successfully complete their apprenticeships.