January 2012 - Phoenix and Mulalley launch second round of pioneering apprentice scheme

Phoenix Community Housing, Lewisham Council, Lewisham College and Mulalley, welcome four new apprentices on a unique scheme to provide training and real job experience over two years.

The painting and decorating apprentices are working on the ‘Decent Homes Project' with Phoenix, helping with improvements on our 6,500-home estate.

A special lunch was held at Phoenix’s headquarters in Bromley to welcome the trainees: Kurtis Smith, 19; Fahren Clifton, 20; Lee Treen, 17; James Botting, 17.

Apprentice Fahren was delighted when he heard he had been successful in his application. He said: "I was really pleased to be offered the position. I had applied for about 60 jobs and not had any luck, so without this apprenticeship I would have been unemployed and wouldn’t have had much of a future.

‘I want to make the most of this opportunity and hope to get permanent full time employment at the end of it.’

The apprenticeship combines college attendance one day a week with practical experience to help them when seeking employment in the future.

Jim Ripley, Chief Executive, Phoenix Community Housing, said: “We had a successful introductory year – the initial apprentices gave great feedback and can be supportive mentors to the new group.

“Good apprenticeships are worth their weight in gold and it’s very rewarding to continue making these opportunities available and to play our part in supporting the local community and economy”.

Mulalley Director Bruce Benson, added “We are pleased to continue the Apprenticeship Scheme and our working partnership with Phoenix Community Housing.

“Our first group of apprentices all completed their qualifications and we have been able to offer them full time employment with Mulalley. The new group of young people all seem very positive and keen and I’m sure will continue the success of the scheme. ”