Apprentices celebrate with Excellence Awards

Wednesday 19 December 2007

Two Homes for Haringey Apprentices were among 40 students who received a Conel (College of North East London) Excellence Award at a recent ceremony at the Bernie Grant centre.

Natasha McDonald a second year Plumbing Apprentice and Tarkan Kurter, a plumber who completed his apprenticeship in July were chosen to receive their trophies following their outstanding commitment and achievements in their studies.

Homes for Haringey apprentices Natasha McDonald and Tarkan Kurter at the Conel Excellence Awards

Natasha was awarded the Skills for Plumbing Excellence Award. She joined the two star housing management organisation in September 2006 as an apprentice plumber and is now half way through her second year in studying and working towards the NVQ Level 2.

Tarkan was also awarded the Plumbing Excellence Award sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Plumbers. He joined in September 2004 as an apprentice plumber. He successfully completed the NVQ Level 3 within three years and is now employed as a full time operative. He is also studying for the National Certificate in Construction.

Homes for Haringey is committed to addressing the manual skills shortage in the UK building industry and last year had over 100 applications for the eight places on its coveted apprentice scheme. All apprentices are local people.

This year eight apprentices covering the electrical, carpentry, plumbing and plastering trades will complete their three and four year qualification training. Most will complete the scheme in July 2008 with the remaining two in July 2009.

Since the scheme started in the mid seventies, over 40 former apprentices have become fully qualified in their fields.

Bob Watts, Executive Director of Building Services, said:

“Both these young people have shown commendable commitment to their plumbing studies with excellent attendance, punctuality and assessments. They have approached their day to day work and studies in a totally professional way and have excelled in their aspirations to forge long and successful careers in plumbing. They are a credit to Homes for Haringey.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

Homes for Haringey run a three or four year apprentice scheme for 17 to 24 year olds.  There are currently 14 apprentices studying a variety of trades.

For more information contact 020 8489 5797.

The Worshipful Company of Plumbers has existed since the fourteenth century and each year award of £250 to a plumber who has achieved the NVQ 3 in plumbing.

Homes for Haringey was issued with two stars following its Audit Commission inspection in August.  It is responsible for services to approx 16,700 council and 4,500 leasehold homes including;

  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Tenancy and estate management
  • Housing management of supported housing
  • Rent collection and arrears management
  • Leasehold management
  • Resident involvement

To talk to someone about this news item, please contact us:

Email:communications@homesforharingey.org

Tel: 020 8489 2998

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