CDHT apprentice builds on success
Talented apprentice joiner at Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) James Evans has won an Award from the College where he is training.
James, 17, who has been working as an apprentice for nearly two years with CDHT, has completed his NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry and Joinery at Yale College. James, of Saughall Road, Blacon, received the prestigious annual Yale Training Wood Award at Yale College’s recent Awards Evening.
Dedicated to his trade, James, who also won the award for design and technology whilst studying at Blacon High School, has focused his energies on improving his craftsmanship at the College’s Construction Centre.
James said: “It was really exciting to win the Award; my hard work has paid off. Thanks to Justin Ellerington, who has taught me a lot and looked after me at CDHT. I also worked with Ken Jones, who recently retired and my supervisor Nathan Coates, who have all helped me and looked after me. I work in a brilliant team at CDHT; work is cracking – I am really enjoying it.”
James added that as well as winning a certificate and £200 of tools from Yale College he also received a letter of congratulations from CDHT’s Chief Executive John Denny, along with a £50 voucher.
David Wrigley, CDHT Assistant Director – Property Services, added:
“James has now been employed with TrustWorks as an apprentice joiner for nearly two years and this award is an outstanding recognition of the efforts and progress he has made both in his technical ability and professional approach to work and his colleagues. The support he has received from colleagues, especially Justin Ellerington, who James works with on a daily basis, has allowed him to develop into someone of outstanding potential. We are delighted he has been successful, as this further enhances our reputation in supporting and developing our own workforce through learning, development and apprenticeships.”
James’ weekly attendance at Yale College enabled him to work efficiently, gain a high standard of practical knowledge and share good practice, as well as enjoy a good rapport with his class-mates.
Mike Ward, lecturer in Wood Trades at Yale College, said:
“James’ application and attitude are second to none. His commitment demonstrates the high standards we achieve at Yale College.”
In September, James will be studying towards his NVQ Level 3 in Carpentry and Joinery at Yale College, with the aim of taking multi-skilling training with CDHT.
Apprentices assist CDHT maintenance technicians with repairs and major works for up to four years and the apprenticeships include training to National Vocational Qualification level in their chosen trade and also multi-skill training. The majority become part of CDHT’s permanent workforce.
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CAPTION: CDHT apprentice joiner, James Evans, receiving the Yale Training Wood Occupations Award at the Presentation Evening from Dave Cooke, the founder of Operation Christmas Child.
Notes to editors
For further information about learning opportunities in 2010 to 2011, telephone Yale College on 01978 311794 or visit www.yale-wrexham.ac.uk.
Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) is a dynamic and enterprising organisation at the forefront of delivering positive impacts in the communities with which it works. The Trust’s homes span six communities – Blacon North; Blacon South; Chester City Area; The Rurals; Lache and Handbridge; Upton, Hoole, Newton and Plas Newton.
Committed to the best principles of social enterprise with over 14,000 local customers in 6,200 properties and 53% of its 275 colleagues living within its communities, the Trust adheres to key commitments and principles relating to people, places, partnerships and performance which underpin the Vision to ‘create opportunity’, through its mission, ‘by doing the right thing’.
The Trust is about being transparent and accountable in everything that is done and to this end is one of the first organisations nationally to have established a Residents’ Board, with full delegated powers from the Trust Board, to direct services which impact upon their lives.
The Trust has a comprehensive development programme delivering over 330 new homes including the £12million regeneration of the Treborth Road area of Chester providing new homes for rent, sale and shared ownership, as well as a village green and wildlife habitats.
CDHT also provides services on a partnership basis, to a number of other customers e.g. Telecare services, TrustWorks Maintenance Services, Housing Options advice, waiting list management and choice based lettings to neighbouring local authorities and registered social landlords.
The Trust is rated as two Star excellent by the Audit Commission, has the highest possible rating from Telecare Services Association and is also credited Investors in People and is the overall Employer of the Year For Cheshire West. It has been in the ‘Top 100 Sunday Times best companies to work for’ for the last 3 years, reaching its highest position of 47th this year.
For more details please visit www.cdht.org or request a copy of CDHT’s Corporate Plan 2009-2014.
CDHT Press Contacts: Phil Brotherhood
E: phil@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07884 493370
Jane Harrad-Roberts
E: jane@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07785 395705
W: www.marketingprojects.co.uk T: 01244 330000
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