YEOVIL NEWS: Getting young people into work

THE Yeovil-based Yarlington Housing Group is helping young people into work by throwing opens its door to nine new apprentices.

With more than 750,000 young people out of work in the UK, an increasingly popular way into employment is through apprenticeships.

Yarlington Housing Group welcomed the new arrivals, six of whom will be based at the head office in Yeovil across various departments, and three more have decided to pursue the trade route as they join the property management division.

The appointments followed a lengthy selection process when over 100 hopefuls applied to join the housing group, and finally Beth Rook, Dan Larwood, Jacob Godden, Jay-Luke Johnstone, Jemima Sweetland, Joel Clamp, Marie Powell, Kirsty Meecham and Paige Hext were invited to join Yarlington on course running for two-and-a-half years during which time they will spend time at college to complete NVQ’s in Business Administration or maintenance operations.

Yarlington’s chief executive, Gary Orr, said: “Our decision to increase the number of apprentices at Yarlington this year was driven by the wishes of managers across the business.

“In previous years we have taken two business and two trade apprentices; we have found them are so enthusiastic and willing to learn and we welcome the contribution they make. Six of our most recent apprentices have now secured permanent roles within the company.

“It is vital that we have robust succession plans in place to keep our organisation viable going forward, so we are delighted that we have had such a high level of interest in these places”.

Kirsty Meecham, who will be working with the Incomes team, said “I’m loving my first week! Such a brilliant experience.”

The scheme, run in conjunction with Somerset College and Learning, is now in its fourth successful year.

PHOTO – TOP: Yarlington Housing Group chief executive Gary Orr with the new apprentices.

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