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New apprentice Archie takes on repairs role in Castle Vale

Showing the true partnership work within Castle Vale, seventeen year old Archie Duffill has recently taken on a new apprenticeship with The Pioneer Group’s repair contractor, Wrekin Housing Group, after guidance from Compass Support’s employment services.

Having completed a year studying electrical installation at college, the former Greenwood Academy pupil heard of the Employment Support services offered at Compass Support and approached the team for advice and guidance.

Compass Support is the charitable arm of The Pioneer Group providing various support services, and runs several initiatives to help people into work, including careers advice sessions held at The Sanctuary.

During one such session, the team discussed Archie’s experience and identified him as an ideal candidate to join The Pioneer Group’s busy and expanding repairs team as a Trainee.

At Greenwood Academy, Archie was a prefect, house captain and took part in the National Citizen Service (NCS). While at college, Archie was also working at UPS and started saving for a car but wanted to find a job that matched his interests and helped the community.

Rob Harris, Employability Advisor at Compass Support, commented:

After sitting down and getting to know Archie, we found out more about his experience, where his skills lie and his aspirations for his future.

The maintenance team is responsible for ensuring that housing in Castle Vale is of good quality and safe for residents, and is on call to fix a myriad of problems, from leaking taps to roof damage.

When speaking to Archie it became quite clear that he would be well-suited to the role and we were happy to support him with his application.

As part of the group’s continuing efforts to deliver a high-standard and efficient repairs for residents of Castle Vale, The Pioneer Group partnered with new contractor, Wrekin Housing Group, to deliver the repairs service from 1 April 2020.

Archie is due to start in next few weeks and will attend college while also benefitting from on the job training, led by Surge Ellis, Maintenance Supervisor.

Archie said of his new apprenticeship:

I’m over the moon to have been given this opportunity and be a part of The Pioneer Group’s work in the Vale.

This training will set me up with experience in my chosen career of being an electrician and by working in a team of tradesmen from electricians and decorators to plasterers and plumbers, I will be learning lots of new skills each and every day.