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Apprenticeships

Our apprenticeships

Our apprenticeships offer you a perfect opportunity to grow and build new skills for your future. Here at Yorkshire Housing, we pride ourselves in being able to deliver that for our colleagues.

Want to earn while you learn and kickstart your career? A Yorkshire Housing apprenticeship could be just the ticket!  

We’ve got opportunities across Yorkshire Housing including trade roles in gas and plumbing, HR, housing, customer service and so much more! You’ll get loads of on-the-job experience and gain a fully funded, nationally recognised qualification. Our apprentices are our future so we’ll make sure you get all the support you need to be the best you can be! 

Patrick Mateer Photography 78 2

165

apprentices to date!

70

% of our apprentices stay on after completion!

5

% of our workforce joined us as apprentices!

Entry requirements

The entry requirements are dependent on the role you apply for.  

You can find out more information on specific entry requirements in the job description for the role. however, we often ask for:  

  • Level 2 apprenticeships: GCSE English and Maths at least a grade 4 (C)   
  • Level 3 apprenticeships: 5 GCSEs including at least a grade 4 (C) in English language and Maths.  
  • Level 4  and above: 2 A Levels or equivalent qualification/experience  

If you’ve not got GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in Maths and English, the government offers a traineeship programme to help get the skills you need to start an apprenticeship. Find out more about traineeships here.

Not sure if you’re the right person for an apprenticeship? Don’t worry, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and levels of experience who are willing to learn and improve their skills! 

FAQs

We offer Entry Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships in:  

  • Housing 
  • Surveying 
  • Business administration
  • Elec engineer
  • Customer service
  • Gas and plumbing
  • Data technician 
  • Property maintenance (includes - combination of joinery, plastering, plumbing)
  • Content producer
  • Environmental horticulture
  • Digital marketing
  • Finance

We also offer professional level 4, 5 and 6 apprenticeships:  

  • Accountancy
  • Housing
  • ICT
  • Data Analyst
  • Marketing
  • Team Leading

It’s really easy. For most of our jobs you’ll need to upload a CV along with a supporting statement, answer a couple of short questions and fill out an equal monitoring form. 

Apprenticeship vacancies usually go live in the first half of the year. When they're live, just follow the advert link, take a look, enter your email and click ‘apply’! You’ll have to set up an account (it’s quick and easy to do) and then you’re good to go.  

We try to keep it as quick as possible, but it depends on the role. We’ll usually include a closing date and first interviews on the advert, assessments tend to be three to four weeks after the closing date. If it’s exam session when we try and schedule for late May or June.  

Occasionally, we’ll invite people to interview before the closing date so keep an eye out for a call or email from us.

 

We always try and make sure it’s as relaxed as possible so that you can be yourself and show off your skills and personality. Knowing what to expect should help you feel more comfortable so here’s an overview of how we run things:  

First off, it’s introductions to the panel and a bit about the role you’ve applied for and Yorkshire Housing as a company.  

We’ll then talk you through the structure of the interview. If you’ve been asked to prep some work, you’ll be asked to present first and then we’ll ask you some questions for you. Next, it’s over to you if you have any questions for us.  

We’ll go through the next steps and that’ll be the end of the interview.

The advert will usually give a closing date for the role and you’ll hear back from us usually within two weeks after this. If you’ve done a first interview, we’ll explain what the next steps will look like.

You should get an automatic email confirming we’ve got it. If you don’t, just send us an email on recruitment@yorkshirehousing.co.uk / apprenticeships@yorkshirehousing.co.uk 

At application stage we can’t offer feedback as we get a lot of interest in each role. If you’ve had an interview, we’ll always let you know our decision and can give you feedback which will help when you’re looking for other opportunities.

We do! You can sign up for job alerts here. 

Please just let us know on recruitment@yorkshirehousing.co.uk / apprenticeships@yorkshirehousing.co.uk and we’ll always try and support you and make reasonable adjustments.

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Meet some of our apprentices

1. Why did you choose to apply for an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing? 

I got the impression that those working at Yorkshire Housing are well supported and they have teams of dedicated workers willing to pass their knowledge onto new colleagues - which was exactly what I was looking for! 

2. What is your main highlight and biggest achievement so far? 

Supporting a large lighting upgrade. I learnt new skills and helped solve problems.

3. How would you sum up being an apprentice in 5 words? 

Exciting, valuable, new, educational and fulfilling. 

4. What are you looking forward to the most in your role this year? 

Learning how to do new things I've never done before and expand my knowledge as an electrician.   

5. Why would you recommend a Yorkshire Housing apprenticeship to others? 

We’re well supported by those around us and the large amount of people I work with pass on their knowledge and experience and help me to grow. So, if that’s what you’re looking for – I'd definitely recommend applying!

Louis

1. Why did you choose to apply for an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing? 

An entry level apprenticeship for a course such as surveying in a great company (Yorkshire Housing) was an amazing opportunity that I couldn't miss out on!

2. What is your main highlight and biggest achievement so far? 

Working with the great team from the Swale HIA. They've been so welcoming from the start of my apprentice journey. Everyone has been so supportive with both work issues and personal issues.

My greatest achievement so far is learning how to draw a full property. I know it might not sound like much but I've never worked in construction, and prior to this I was a full time tractor driver! So now being able to draw a full house plan is a great achievement for me. 

3. How would you sum up being an apprentice in 5 words? 

Fun, challenging and a learning curve.

4. What are you looking forward to the most in your role this year? 

The Swale HIA team is currently in the process of launching a new smart home scheme which I'm really looking forward to supporting. 

5. Why would you recommend a Yorkshire Housing apprenticeship to others? 

I would recommend a YH apprenticeship to anyone. It's a great company to work for and the people here are so supportive. I especially enjoy my role as I get to help people out day to day and make their lives easier, which is a good feeling and I believe everyone will enjoy this.

Zakk

1. Why did you choose to apply to be an apprentice with Yorkshire Housing? 

Yorkshire Housing stood out to me the most with their values. On the day of my interview everyone was so welcoming and friendly. They clearly explained what they were looking for right from the start and what the role entailed.

2. What’s your main highlight and biggest achievement so far? 

My biggest achievement so far is my cyber security awareness campaign. I'm delivering awareness sessions to teams across the business, sharing knowledge on how to spot potential attacks such as phishing emails. This has helped me come out of my comfort zone by presenting face-to-face with colleagues. 

3. How would you sum up being an apprentice in 5 words? 

It’s very hands-on and engaging. 

5. What are you looking forward to most in your role this year? 

Developing my cyber security knowledge and skills. 

6. Finally, why would you recommend an apprenticeship at YH to others?  

Everyone at Yorkshire are so friendly and you feel extremely valued for your time. Compared to other places I have worked for in the past, I feel valued for who I am and not just another employee. The support you receive is amazing. 

 

1. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing? 

I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to do go down the university route and I'd looked into a lot of different degree options and I couldn’t find many that were suitable for what I wanted. So when I saw the Yorkshire Housing IT service desk apprenticeship I knew it would be the perfect role to build my knowledge in IT, a subject I was already interested in.

 

2. What was your first impression of Yorkshire Housing?

I knew straight from the interview that I wanted to work here. The Place definitely stood out to me, and my interview felt extremely comfortable. Since starting work everyone, especially my team, has been super helpful and supportive. 

 

3. Tell us a bit about your role, what tasks do you get up to? 

As the IT service desk apprentice I work with my team to make sure that our colleagues can access our IT systems when they need to. Whether that's from one of our hubs, at home or out on the road. This might involve resetting passwords and unlocking accounts, helping set up new starters, and finding solutions to problems.

 

4. What do you like the most about your role? 

I like troubleshooting problems for our colleagues. I’m constantly learning and I really like the in-person jobs where I can work with people on my team, meeting new colleagues is always fun too.

 

5. If someone came to you unsure on whether to do an apprenticeship, what would you tell them?

I think apprenticeships are the the best! You gain invaluable experience and the skills and knowledge will then help you to move up the ladder. The pay is also an amazing bonus! 

Louis stood against a cork wall smiling in a black t-shirt

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing?

The main reason I chose to do an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing was because of the people. During the process of applying for my apprenticeship, doing my own research and completing my interviews, I could see what it was like to work here and how friendly everyone was. I knew the work environment would really suit me.

 

What was your first impression of Yorkshire Housing?

I was invited to an interview/taster day for the apprenticeship programme where I got to meet other candidates, a number of colleagues and see the Yorkshire Housing hub in Leeds. It was very enjoyable and was one of the many reasons why I chose the apprenticeship.

 

Tell us a bit about your role, what tasks do you get up to?

As the housing repairs administrator apprentice I’m responsible for booking and allocating repairs. As part of this, I have to check that the operative has enough time to complete the work and doesn’t have too much driving in-between jobs.

 

What’s the most exciting thing about your role?

I love speaking to and meeting new people, whether they’re colleagues or customers, and I get to do this every day.

 

If someone came to you unsure on whether to do an apprenticeship, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to weigh up all of their options and try find the best one for them based on what they enjoy and what incorporates their skills. I’d also tell them that if they did choose to do an apprenticeship, Yorkshire Housing is definitely the place to do it!

Photo of Lucas leaning against a cork wall smiling

1. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing?  

When I saw the course and the role at Yorkshire Housing I thought it suited me perfectly, I liked that I’d be given responsibilities and trust.

 

2. What was your first impression of Yorkshire Housing?   

It was spectacular. The Place blew my mind with how great it was inside and how everyone could work in a way that suited them best such as alone in a soundproof booth or as a group. It really showed the trust that Yorkshire Housing has for their colleagues.

 

3. Tell us a bit about your role and what sort of things you get up to?

As an insurance and claims support apprentice I help run the insurance mailbox, answer any questions other teams might have, speak to customers about their claims and explain the process, and I also get involved with handling my own insurance claims.

 

4. If you have any questions about your apprenticeship, who do you speak to?

When it comes to questions about my apprenticeship I have three people who are always available to help if I need extra support: there’s my line manager, the senior people development coordinator and my apprenticeship coach.

 

5. What’s the most exciting thing about your role?

The most exciting thing for me is waking up and doing the actual job, every day I come across new experiences and it’s exciting to see what’s next. I’ve also made some good friends within my team which has made my time so far great.

 

6. If someone came to you unsure on whether to do an apprenticeship, what would you tell them?

I’d tell them to jump straight into an apprenticeship, you get all the functional skills for the future whilst learning subject specifics and it really helps boost your own portfolio.

Photo of Charlie our gas apprentice stood in front of a cork wall

1. What was your first impression of Yorkshire Housing?   

I’ve been welcomed by everyone and right from the start I’ve been well informed and supported within my team.

 

2. Tell us a bit about your role and what sort of things you get up to?

My typical day starts at 8am when I'm picked up by my mentor, we have a list of jobs that can include anything from tightness testing to changing radiators. Knowing we’re helping customers and making a difference is the best part of the job.

I had no experience in gas engineering prior to starting (apart from what dad had told me), and in my first five months I’ve learnt so much being hands on and I find that's how I learn quicker.

Being part of my team has been amazing, they’ve all welcomed and supported me and knowing I’m helping customers is really rewarding.

 

3. If someone came to you unsure on whether to do an apprenticeship, what would you tell them?

I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, doing the practical work is a great way to learn and getting paid to do it is a bonus!

Photo of Jake our multi-skilled apprentice wearing a purple Yorkshire Housing t-shirt stood infront of a cork wall

1. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing?

I really related to the Yorkshire Housing values, they’re so important and can be used in all parts of life. I also liked their dedication to the development of young people like myself through the apprenticeship programme.

 

2. What was your first impression of Yorkshire Housing?   

Everyone I’ve met has been so friendly and just wants to see me excel in my role which is great. It’s also very supportive in helping me to learn and there’s some excellent benefits too.

 

3. Tell us a bit about your role...

As a multi-skilled apprentice my day to day tasks can vary within a week. It can range from ripping out a bathroom one day to fitting a kitchen the next day, or tiling and fitting toilets and basins.

 

4. What’s the most exciting thing about your role?

For me the most exciting thing is the variety of tasks. As someone who gets bored quite easily it's very important to me that I keep learning as much as I can and this apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity to do so. 

 

5. If someone came to you unsure on whether to do an apprenticeship, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to go for it. It's the best thing I’ve ever done and I don't think there’s anything to lose by just going for it.

Photo of Amy our housing apprentice stood against a cork wall smiling

1. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing? 

I was interested in the housing system and I knew I’d be able to explore different areas of housing and possibly work in different teams too. I also get the chance to speak to lots of people with different backgrounds which I also find really interesting and enjoy.

 

2. What was your first impression of Yorkshire Housing?   

I’ve felt very welcomed from the start, everyone makes sure that you feel included which is really nice. Even the interview was amazing, interactive and the tasks we were asked to complete allowed us to show our skills. Now I’m settled into Yorkshire Housing I can see that everyone is extremely helpful, managers are always on hand when needed and I know I can reach out if I need help.

 

3. Tell us a bit about your role or typical week what tasks do you do? 

At the moment I’m working as part of the customer experience centre and speak to customers everyday, it’s usually about raising repairs in their homes or helping when it comes to their tenancy but it could be anything. I also talk to other teams from across the business, this could be through meetings, emails or just a simple chat. I’ve noticed that every team gives really great advice which I can relay back to the customer, this then helps improve my knowledge so I can give every customer the best experience when I’m talking to them.  

 

4. What’s the most exciting thing about your role?

The most exciting thing in my role is being the first point of contact for many customers and I get to work on my customer service and communications skills. Working in the customer experience centre first gives me a great inside look into the business as a whole, and I enjoy finding out what other teams roles are and how each is vital to the association.

 

5. If someone came to you unsure on whether to do an apprenticeship, what would you tell them?

I’d recommend they apply and go for it. Apprenticeships are amazing, you’re able to work towards a qualification while gaining the experience needed. There’s so many apprenticeships available now for lots of different roles and careers too! Being part of a workforce and team is great, and there’s barely any limitations on what you can do and achieve.

1. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing? 

They really stood out from other housing associations. It was clear that working for the biggest housing association in Yorkshire would have significant perks that other housing associations wouldn't be able to offer.

 

2. What was your first impression of Yorkshire Housing?

It’s been very positive from the beginning, after my interview I knew Yorkshire Housing would be a place I could progress my career.

 

3. Tell us a bit about your role

Every day’s different as a gas and plumbing apprentice! I work on various types of heating systems, fixing and servicing boilers, and fitting radiators too.

 

4. What’s the most exciting thing about your role?

I love meeting our customers and traveling all over Yorkshire solving problems and fixing things.

 

5. If someone came to you unsure on whether to do an apprenticeship, what would you tell them?

I’d tell them that they’d be gaining hands on experience whilst earning a competitive salary to gain a qualification.

Our recruitment process

  • Step 1: You’ll put in your application. 
  • Step 2: Our apprenticeship lead and recruitment panel for the role you’ve applied for will go ahead and shortlist the applications.  
  • Step 3: First stage interviews! This could be an interview online or activity based at an assessment centre or maybe a combination of both. 
  • Step 4: Second stage interview! We don’t always have a second stage interview but if we do, we’ll normally do these face-to-face. 
  • Step 5: We make a decision and offer you the job if you’ve been successful.