An apprenticeship is the best decision I’ve made!

Your Homes Newcastle has a long history of helping apprentices begin their journey on a career ladder, with 62 being supported in the last five years alone.

Among the latest crop are Aimee Bayley and Georgia Grieve, who both started their apprenticeships last November.

They were full of praise for the recruitment process and the support they have received so far.

Aimee decided on a journey with YHN due to problems at her previous college with training to be a female mechanic.

Aimee, 17, and a customer service practitioner, said: “I got involved with this apprenticeship as my Mam and family friends work in YHN. I chose to do this apprenticeship because I wanted a change in job role from what I was studying at college.

“I have learned how to use Kirona/Job Manager and DRS, using them daily within my role. I have learned about other departments and how they operate, I have improved my skills on Outlook and Teams.”

Aimee was full of praise for the support she has received so far, especially from the Employability team, and encouraged anyone considering an apprenticeship to go for it.

She said: “The recruitment process was good, no problems with it. The support given was helpful in getting started and the inductions were good and informative on how YHN works as an organisation.

“I would say to anyone to go for it, because you gain new skills and knowledge while also giving you help and maybe a better path towards what you want to do with your future in employment.

“In the future I would like to have a steady permanent job doing what I enjoy and to hopefully go on more holidays and travelling to see the world.”

Georgia, 23, a customer service apprentice, said the apprenticeship was the perfect option to gain qualifications while in employment.

She said: “I really wanted to start working but I still wanted to continue my education. I chose an apprenticeship that would allow me to pursue the qualifications I needed while also being in full-time work.

“My biggest challenge has been adapting to such a different line of work. Before I started my apprenticeship, I had little experience in customer service and a very narrow idea of working in an office environment.”

Georgia is full of praise for the apprenticeships and what she has learned so far since November.

“My biggest achievement has been taking a chance and attempting a career path I never thought in a million years, I’d be able to do, or even enjoy,” she said.

“I’ve picked things up really fast and received multiple praises from my colleagues.

“This apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations and I’m chuffed to bits that I did this.

“I have learned so much so far. I know how to use systems I never even knew existed, I have a better understanding of workplace environments and policies and my IT, English, maths and customer service skills have improved immensely.”

And Georgia is urging anyone considering an apprenticeship to go for it.

She said: “Taking a chance with an apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made. It offers a great way to transition into work, with a higher level of support than regular jobs provide and an opportunity to learn while putting your skills straight to the test.

“Starting out with an apprenticeship is a brilliant way to gain valuable work experience, grow your self-confidence and help you progress in your chosen career – all this while being able to earn a salary and gain industry-recognised qualifications.

“Even if you were to change your mind about the line of work you want to pursue in the future, an apprenticeship can open doors and help you discover what fits for you.

“I hope to keep on at YHN after finishing my apprenticeship, if I’m unable to secure a job straight away I might go back to college and complete my education, but I plan to return to YHN in the future.”