Guinness Celebrates Success of Oldham Apprentice Joiner

To mark National Apprentice Week (7-13 Feb) housing association, The Guinness Partnership,  is celebrating its apprenticeship programme and the value apprentices bring to local communities. 

This year is the 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week, coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service.  This week-long celebration across England, is a time to recognise and applaud apprenticeship success stories across the country.  

Hollie Heil from Failsworth, Oldham has been a Multi Skilled Apprentice Joiner with Guinness since 2018, carrying out a variety of tasks, including the installation of fire doors.  In December 2021, Hollywon Guinness’s Apprentice of the Year Star Award, for her excellent progression in the role and for her selfless support to colleagues and Guinness customers.  

As well as workplace training with Guinness, Holly also completes course work and is assessed on her progress by training provider, The Growth Company. Hollie passed her level two joinery course last year and she is due to complete her Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship on 2 April 2023. 

The Guinness Partnership has invested in trade apprenticeships for a number of years, covering all the key trade areas such as Plumbing, Joinery, Plastering, Electrical and Property Maintenance.  

During 2021 seven trade apprentices were recruited, with six of the graduating apprentices being retained as full- time employees of Guinness. 

Commenting on her career choice, Holly said: “Before I started my apprenticeship at Guinness I was a football coach for City in the Community, but I decided to become an apprentice as I wanted a new challenge, to learn new skills and to be in a job that is very much hands-on.  

“One day I would like to manage my own apprentice and help them with their career.”  

Kat Healey, Training Manager at The Guinness Partnership said: “Providing apprenticeship opportunities is a key way of promoting skills development and increasing diversity across the construction and housing maintenance sectors.  

“We are extremely proud of Hollie and the progress she has made with her apprenticeship course. She is an inspiration to anyone considering a trade career.” 

This year Guinness will be recruiting 15 trade apprentices, providing them with the support and training needed to successfully complete their apprenticeships and kickstart their careers.