Thirteen launches new apprenticeship opportunities to support people to learn and earn in the North East [Archived]

Apprenticeships feature a mix of trade operative and office-based roles, including business administration, electrical, gas, joinery, plastering and plumbing.

New recruits will receive paid work experience, alongside studying and training in a classroom.

The training will be delivered in partnership with the Education Training Collective (Etc.), which incorporates a number of colleges in Teesside, including Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College and Innersummit.

As well as training and personal development opportunities, apprentices will be offered a range of benefits while working at Thirteen, including 28 days of annual leave, a health cash plan and retail discounts.

Stephanie Douglas, emerging talent coordinator at Thirteen, said: “As a large employer in the North East, we recognise the important role we play in developing and retaining talent in our region, which is why we are proud to support apprenticeships.

“Thirteen’s apprenticeship programme provides ongoing support from the day that colleagues start their role, so that we can help them to meet their full potential.

“Feedback from our current apprentices is really positive and it demonstrates our track record in delivering insightful and engaging training programmes, which have helped many of our colleagues to progress in their career at Thirteen.”

Anyone over the age of 16 that is not currently in full-time education can apply, and they will receive a qualification once they have finished their course.

Depending on the subject, apprenticeships last between 1-5 years. An apprenticeship at Thirteen is a full-time role, which is equivalent to 37 hours a week.

Joe Boddy, level 2 plastering apprentice at Thirteen, said: “I enjoy working at Thirteen, as there is lots of variety and opportunities to learn new skills in all areas of the company. I have worked all over the Tees Valley area.

“I work with great colleagues who all have different skills to teach, and I get to gain a qualification while getting paid at the same time.”

Apprentices will typically spend four days a week working at Thirteen and one day studying at college.

Erika Marshall, group marketing and business engagement director at Etc., said: “It is fantastic to work with Thirteen to bring these apprenticeship opportunities to the market for the young people of Teesside. They offer a fantastic first step for those looking to start their career or take a new direction in a range of different fields with an organisation which is grounded on the principles of staff investment and development – an excellent starting point for any career.

“The skills learnt on the job will be backed up by theoretical knowledge and further practical skills developed in college with guidance from our team of industry-experienced instructors.

“At the Education Training Collective it is one of our key objectives to lead the way in delivering on future skills and economic growth priorities by working in partnership with employers to identify any skills gaps and shortages, and provide meaningful training that meets the changing needs of our local economy and communities.”

The successful candidates will begin their new roles in the early autumn.

Matt Forrest, chief executive at Thirteen, said: “The new apprenticeship roles will help us to develop Thirteen's workforce for the future, as well as continue improving services for our customers.

“We have a talented team of colleagues, so our apprentices will be working with subject experts who can share their knowledge of Thirteen and the industry. There’s a range of career routes that an apprenticeship at Thirteen can open the door to, including customer service, care and support, finance, housing, repairs and maintenance and human resources.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming our new apprentice colleagues and being part of their journey to building a rewarding career.”

Applications for the apprenticeship roles close on July 14.

For more information, and to submit an application, visit https://www.thirteengroup.co.uk/page/jobs.

For anyone that needs support with submitting an application or interview techniques, Thirteen's employability service can help. The team can be contacted by emailing employability@thirteengroup.co.uk.