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Cross Keys Homes is proud to welcome six new pre-apprentices into the organisation, as part of its commitment to support young people into work.

The six pre-apprentices have embarked on a six-month programme to gain tangible work experience and enhance their employability skills.

The pre-apprentice project is a paid placement for individuals aged between 16 and 24, designed to provide valuable skills, opportunities, and experience in the work place. This will allow the young people to up-skill, develop, and work as a team, as well as achieve help and support with CV writing, completing application forms, and job interviews.

The pre-apprentices have already attended a weeklong Sector Based Work Academy with Cross Keys Homes’ partners from Peterborough City College, where they became equipped with employability skills such as first aid, CV writing, interview preparation, and team building.

Christian Summa, ICT and Communications Support Pre-apprentice, commented on his first few weeks at Cross Keys Homes. Christian said: “I really like it here at Cross Keys Homes and I already feel more confident about starting full time work in the future, because I now know what to expect”.

2,000 people within Peterborough receive Job Seekers Allowance/Universal Credit; however, the pre-apprentice scheme tackles unemployment from the root by investing in the training young people need to assist them in the future.

Over the last year alone, 83% of Cross Keys Homes pre-apprentices have moved into employment education or training, including 23 young people moving into employment.

Steve Dumbrell, Cross Keys Homes’ Residents and Community Investment Manager, said “We aim to make a real difference to people’s lives, and this project does just that. Through this programme, we help to prevent unemployment by providing valuable skills, training, and opportunities, which will give our pre-apprentices the vital first step on the ladder towards employment”.                                                                 

Amy Low, HR Officer at Cross Keys Homes, who is managing the project, added: “I was really impressed with the level of talent at the interview stage, and our pre-apprentices have continued to shine throughout their first few weeks. They’re already making a big difference to the teams with their ideas and contributions, and we can’t wait to see what else they achieve!”.