Flagship aims to dispel the myth about apprenticeships during National Apprenticeships Week

During National Apprenticeships Week (4-8 March), Flagship Group is highlighting that an apprenticeship is a viable career option for anyone.

Historically, funding was limited to those aged 24 and under, with employment also incentivised. However, the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy means apprenticeship opportunities are now open to everyone.

In response to this Flagship has recruited several apprentices over the age of 24 who decided to take the leap from their former jobs into a trade apprenticeship route to learn new skills.

Robbie Dougal from Norwich is six months into a two-year plumbing apprenticeship with Flagship’s subsidiary repairs and maintenance company RFT Services. 

Before joining Flagship, Robbie spent 11 years in financial services, working predominantly as a personal banker. He said: “I’ve wanted to train as a plumber for a number of years and an apprenticeship suits my learning style. I’ve always been a vocational learner as opposed to via a textbook or classroom.

“I would encourage anybody contemplating an apprenticeship to go for it. I’m 37, so have about 30 years of work ahead of me. I didn’t want to spend all that time doing something I didn’t really enjoy, having the same conversations all day, every day. So, on that basis, it was an easy decision to make.”

Mandy Fox from Poringland is currently completing a Building Maintenance Apprenticeship with RFT. She said: “I decided I wanted a change after being in catering for the last 18 years. I thought I was too old being 35 and didn’t think I would get an interview, but I’m so pleased that I was wrong!

“There are so many different apprenticeships available for everyone, all you need is the courage and enthusiasm. I absolutely love the work I do and the thing I enjoy most is that every day is different.”

Flagship Group has recruited 44 apprentices to date through its Apprenticeship Programme with 28 people currently on enrolled.

National Apprenticeships Week will mark the launch of Flagship’s new recruitment campaigns for 2019. The housing association has three new positions available for its Bright Futures Degree Apprenticeship Programme. The innovative degree sponsored management training programme is a first for the housing sector and brings together the best of higher and vocational education.

Flagship will also be looking to recruit a number of other apprentices across the business this year.

Nadine Tapp, Head of Learning and Development at Flagship, said: “We value the part apprenticeships play in our organisation. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to gain hands on experience and learn new skills whilst working, and it also benefits us as we’re able to grow our own talent.

“Robbie and Mandy are two of several fantastic ambassadors we have at Flagship, proving that you can be any age with different levels of experience to successfully undertake an apprenticeship.”

For more information on the Apprenticeship programme at Flagship please visit their website 

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