Homes for Haringey has taken on 10 new apprentices to start in its in-house repairs depots in Tottenham next month.

The housing management organisation is committed to its long standing apprenticeship programme and tackling the UK manual skills shortage.

The apprentices - selected from over 150 applicants - will learn their chosen skilled trade in plumbing, carpentry or electrical works whilst gaining NVQ level 2 or 3 qualifications over three years. They will each attend one full day at college and gain practical experience working within the depot sites and refurbishing empty council homes for the remaining four days. Five of the new apprentices are women - two teenagers and three mothers - who will train as plumbers and carpenters.

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As there is no longer an upper age limit, a number of mature people have applied. The apprentices, aged between 16 and 37, have varied backgrounds. Some are mothers returning to work, career changers or people who have had some work experience in the labour and construction field but want additional professional qualifications. The other five apprentices are male (plumbers and electricians).

Executive Director of Repairs, Bob Watts, said: "I am delighted that we have taken on 10 committed and high calibre individuals for these coveted apprenticeships. We are looking forward to them joining the organisation and building up their tools boxes over the coming years."

All the apprentices will be partnered with an experienced building trades operative as a mentor to monitor their progress.

(CD/KMcA)