New apprentices join Homes for Haringey

Tuesday 29 September 2009

Fixing a broken washing machine inspired 31 year old Natasha Old to take her interest in plumbing further. The former nursery nurse from Waltham Forest fixed the machine after discovering a loose object in the machine drum. Through ‘trial and error’ she took it apart, fixed the machine and enrolled on a plumbing course at Construction Training London.

This month she starts a three year apprenticeship placement at Homes for Haringey. The mother of one is joined by nine other apprentices, the youngest of whom is 16 year old apprentice electrician, Alex Wiggins.

They all have varied backgrounds and experience - electrician, Dwayne Gowie, 26, has some prior experience of electrical installations - while some are mothers returning to work such as career changer Dionne Dunn, a 35 year old former dental nurse.

Homes for Haringey's Director of Repairs Bob Watts with new apprentices

The talented ten all have dedication and commitment in common, beating over 150 applicants for the coveted placements. They’ll spend one full day at college and the remainder gaining practical experience within the depot sites and refurbishing empty council homes. Their qualifications lead to NVQ level 2 or 3 over three or four years.

Taking things apart is something Natasha, also a St John’s Ambulance volunteer, has always enjoyed. “I enjoy the challenge of plumbing and learning practical new skills such as fitting in completely new bath sets and installing new water pipes. There are no limits now to my career potential. I am so pleased to have an apprenticeship.”

Fiona McKinney (17) an aspiring furniture maker, who previously studied carpentry at Southgate College said her first few weeks had been really enjoyable and informative. And plumber, Abdullah Abdullah (19) believes fixing someone’s plumbing in their home is a ‘noble’ thing to do.

The number of apprentices taken on this year has almost doubled from 2008. Five of the new apprentices are women. Bob Watts, executive director of repairs, says: I’m really pleased we have selected such a diverse, hard-working and committed group of apprentices. I’m already looking forward to them qualifying and becoming professionals trades persons.

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