From decorator to director for Gemma

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2019, one of our apprentices got to spend the day shadowing Tracy O’Neill, our Executive Director of Customers and Communities.

21-year-old painting apprentice Gemma Allen joined Tracy and our Chairman James Hayward as they took a group of councillors on a tour of our extra care schemes across the Redcar and Cleveland borough, showcasing the important work we do in our communities.

Gemma joined Beyond Housing in September 2018, becoming one of our first female apprentices in painting and decorating. She applied for the role after speaking to our team at a careers event at Redcar & Cleveland College where we were promoting trade roles to female applicants. Beginning her Level 2 apprenticeship in painting and decorating has been a complete career change for Gemma, who previously worked in a fast food shop.

Emma Tooth, Apprenticeship Co-ordinator at Beyond Housing, said: “At Beyond Housing our apprentices are a vital part of the future development of our workforce.

“By ensuring they are treated as valued members of the organisation and giving them opportunities to spend time with our Executive team like this, we are motivating them towards achieving their career goals and supporting them to plan for their futures.”