As part of National Apprenticeship Week, The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, celebrated the impact of its apprenticeship programme and the value apprentices bring to local communities.
This year marks the nineteenth National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide moment to recognise the achievements of apprentices and the organisations that support them. Among the success stories highlighted by Guinness is Debra, an Independent Living Advisor apprentice based in Mansfield, who began her journey in 2023.
Debra is working towards her CIH Level 3 Housing and Property Management apprenticeship, and her role is varied and people focused. She supports residents with their tenancies, attends meetings within the community, and helps ensure health and safety standards are met across the service. Her work is hands on and directly connected to improving the experience of residents.
Alongside her day to day responsibilities, Debra completes structured coursework and is assessed on her progress by Kingdom Academy. Her commitment to learning, and her willingness to grow, have been clear throughout her programme, and we are proud to be supporting her development.
The Guinness Partnership has invested in apprenticeships for several years, offering opportunities across a wide range of roles, including HR, finance, trades, sustainability, and accountancy. Over the past year, thirty seven colleagues have completed an apprenticeship with Guinness, and many more are using the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy to upskill in their current roles.
Debra’s story is one example of how apprenticeships can open doors, build confidence, and create long term career pathways. It is fantastic to see organisations like Guinness championing skills development and supporting colleagues to progress.