Since 2012, we’ve been working in partnership with
Equans who help us repair and improve our homes. Through the partnership, we’re pleased to support Equans’ apprenticeship programme which gives young people from the local area an opportunity to start their career in construction.
James Stead, a 17-year-old joiner from Wakefield, recently joined an Equans apprenticeship to work across our repairs, maintenance and energy improvement contracts. As part of the apprenticeship, he studies one day a week at Leeds College of Building.
James’ typical workday begins at 8am, when he and his mentor, Dave, head to their assigned job, which can range from a two-to-three-hour task like fitting doors or skirting boards, to a more complex all-day project.
Dave uses a hands-on approach to teach James new skills by showing him how to complete tasks and providing guidance. This means James has chance to practice his skills under Dave’s supervision.
James said: “I’m loving my apprenticeship so far – I’ve already learned so much, both from Dave and college. I also feel like I’ve grown up a lot over the last few months - my confidence and communication skills have really improved since starting in this role.
“I’ve always been very hands-on and enjoyed fixing things around the house. I’m eager to work hard and enjoying earning my own money, and I feel like I’m thriving in an environment where I can continuously learn new skills, with each day bringing fresh challenges and opportunities.
“One of my favourite parts of the job though is seeing how appreciative residents are when they
see the completed work.
“One day I’d love to own my own business, but for now I’m enjoying learning new things and developing my skills. I’d encourage anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship to just
go ahead and do it!”
Lucy Redfern, Asset Manager at Leeds Federated, said: “We’re proud to support the Equans’ apprenticeship programme which offers young people a valuable way into the property services field and a chance to build lifelong skills. At Leeds Federated, our social purpose is to ‘help people make a home’, so by supporting people to get started in the industry it means we can help even more people make a home.”