A HOUSING association is creating four apprenticeships following the successful launch of its training scheme.

Broadacres Housing Association launched its first formal apprenticeship scheme a year ago, which saw six young people being offered various roles across the organisation.

Two of them, Shona Brown and Zoe Allan, have now secured permanent employment with the association following their 12 month apprenticeship.

After completing her one-year apprenticeship, Shona Brown, aged 20, is now working as a kitchen assistant in Broadacres’ The Orchard extra care scheme in Brompton, near Northallerton.

She said: “I really enjoyed my apprenticeship and learned a lot. I received lots of good advice and support and I am keen to remain in health and social acre and hopefully work my way up at Broadacres.”

The other apprentice, Zoe Allan, 21, has landed a permanent role as a finance trainee.

Two others, Josh Carter and Joe Elliot are now in their second year of their apprenticeships, in electrical and joinery respectively, and are earning plaudits from their mentors.

Broadacres has now announced it will be recruiting apprentices to work in within business administration and property services.

Sally Baxter, Broadacres’ human resources officer, said: “We are delighted to be able to once again recruit apprentices to Broadacres.

“We received dozens of applications for our apprenticeship scheme and we expect demand in the new roles to be just as high.

“Hopefully, new applicants will see the excellent progress that has been made by Shona, Zoe, Josh and Joe and realise that apprenticeships are a fantastic route into permanent employment, whether at Broadacres or elsewhere.”

Because they are doing trade-based apprenticeships, Josh and Joe, will work for two years learning to become an electrician and joiner respectively.

People interested in the apprenticeships can find out more about the recruitment process on the association's website; broadacres.org.uk