18 new trade apprentices start their careers at L&Q

As part of our continued investment in new talent, this summer we proudly welcomed 18 new trade apprentices to join our experienced direct maintenance teams. 

This year’s intake has doubled in size, with new roles in plumbing, joinery, roofing and heating installation in our Greater London and Greater Manchester teams. Two more apprentices will also start in mid-October.

Our induction programme introduced the apprentices to key colleagues – including planners,  complaints handlers, caretakers, senior leaders and other apprentices - offering a real insight into life at L&Q.

The action-packed schedule also included essential training in health and safety, asbestos, vulnerability awareness, and manual handling, as well as site visits to Lewisham Park Towers and the South Acton estate.

These experiences provided valuable context for the types of environments and projects the apprentices will be involved in over the coming years.

Blending classroom-based technical learning with practical, on-the-job experience, the apprentices will learn from the guidance and expertise of seasoned professionals.

This year’s cohort will also benefit from a competitive salary and access to a range of employee benefits, including a health and cash plan.

Lisa Price, Head of Customer Resolution said

“We’re so pleased to have our new apprentices on board. As they settle into this new chapter, their curiosity, creativity and motivation are clear to see.”

Leaving school can be overwhelming, with so many choices and possible pathways ahead.

Apprenticeships offer a hands-on route into meaningful, future-proofed careers like carpentry and plumbing. With an ageing workforce, they’re also key to addressing the skills gap.”

Vicki Sanderson, Director of Repairs and Maintenance said:

“During recruitment, we looked for people with a ‘can-do’ attitude, empathy for residents, and a drive to deliver the best possible service.

In return, our apprentices receive high-quality placements that pay fairly, and value learning just as much as output.”

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to get us to the starting line. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our ‘amazing eighteen’.” 

One apprentice reflected on their first day:

“I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to be out and about. Getting to be more hands on and see the process of how it all works.

My mentor was very nice and the ideal person to work with on my first day.”

Watch this space for more apprentice updates over the coming months.