To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2022, we asked our apprentices about their experiences at Eastlight and their mentors how they have found working with them.
We are passionate about giving the right people a platform to build their careers, whether it is their first step on the career ladder or someone wanting to try something new.
Our Plumbing Apprentice Ryan Cunningham has been working with Leadhand Chris Dunne as part of our Home Solutions Team.
Ryan said: “Working as an apprentice with Chris has been great - he has taught me skills that will stay with me throughout my career.
“Having him with me to guide me through it and share his experience with me has been amazing.”
Chris added: “Being a mentor is a rewarding and sometimes challenging process.
“You always have company and an extra pair of hands.
“Ultimately, it fills you with pride as they make progress and eventually complete the training and go out on their own as a qualified tradesperson.”
Carpenter Deme Freeman has been working with apprentice Ryley Cosby.
He said: “He’s a dream - I’m going to miss him when he’s gone.
“He has taken everything on board and tweaked it to make it his own.”
He’s a dream - I’m going to miss him when he’s gone.
- Deme Freeman talking about apprentice Ryley Cosby
Ryley added: “Deme, who I respect greatly, has shown me his skills and reflected them onto me.
“I've been able to use these skills and adapt them to make them my own.
“I've enjoyed the experience and what I have been able to learn will benefit me in the future by making me a skilled worker and tradesman.
“I hope to continue my journey with Eastlight as a fully qualified carpenter to help our residents improve their lives and homes.”
Our Chief Executive Emma Palmer started her own career as a Housing Apprentice which goes to show the sky is the limit for people who want to earn while they learn.
To help with this, we launched an innovative recruitment programme called Succeed at Eastlight.
In exchange for people with the right ambition and attitude, we offer experience, training and development opportunities.
The first of our successful applicants are due to start working for us soon and help build the future of Eastlight!
