There's loads of benefits
With flexible working hours and 26 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays), an apprenticeship with Karbon offers successful candidates the chance to study whilst gaining valuable experience and contributing to the success of a fast-paced, organisation that is constantly growing and changing.
To deliver our latest programme we are working with two of the most established further education colleges in the region: Gateshead College, New College Durham and East Durham College.
In line with our vision to help customers lead successful, independent lives, it felt only right that these apprenticeship opportunities should be kept for the people we’re constantly striving to support, those living in our homes.
Our intakes of apprentices over previous years illustrate the diverse range of reasons why an apprenticeship is a great next step for residents of ALL ages.
From those who are just starting out in work, to those who have been trying to get back in to work after a break and even those who wanted to re-train and pursue a new career, the programme offers something for everyone.
When are you recruiting for your next apprentice intake?
We're recruiting for our next apprentice intake right now! The roles we currently have available are:
Treasury Apprentice (fixed term role for 18 months): £23,088 per annum
People and Organisational Development Apprentice (fixed term role for 2 years): £23,088 per annum
Sales and Marketing Apprentice (fixed term role for 2 years): £23,088 per annum
How much do apprentices get paid?
Karbon Homes supports the Real Living Wage for all apprentice roles.
Do I need to be a Karbon customer to apply for an apprenticeship
Yes.
To us, an apprenticeship is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity. This is why we have made the decision to make positions available exclusively for Karbon and Byker Community Trust customers and their households.
As an organisation that strives to provide people with the strong foundations they need to fulfil their potential, it felt only right that these opportunities should be given to the people we’re constantly striving to support, those in our households.
Where can I go for more information about apprenticeships in general?
Visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
This is the government website which holds all the information you may need to know.
I've registered my interest, what happens next?
One of the Foundations for Life team will get in touch with you. They will work with you to ensure you have all your CV up to date, you complete all the pre-apprenticeship checks such as English & Maths levels, Right to Work documents, etc.
When the roles are released, they will support you to make the application form, and get you interview ready.
Julie from Blaydon started working as a Customer Relationship Apprentice in 2023. Julie was a hairdresser before she decided to change her career path:
“I’m 52 and wanted to try something different before I retire. The apprenticeship was perfect for me. My skillset was very particular. I was really lacking current skills so this has been really helpful.
There’s been loads of support from my team leader, Lynsey. We go to college every fortnight where we’re encouraged to use PowerPoint and Excel which I didn’t know how to use previously.
It’s opened a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had without it. I’m not sure I could have been taken seriously in such a different role without the apprenticeship.”
Kayleigh from Longbenton joined us as an Apprentice Joiner.
“I worked in Iceland and Greggs but they weren’t for me. I like to be busy and the joiner apprenticeship really appealed to me.
I’ve always been quite handy with building things so I thought I should try to make a career out of it. The apprenticeship gives me the chance to get the actual experience and qualifications I need to be able to do this as a career.
I really enjoy it. I actually like coming to work.”
Jack from Consett has taken on a role as an Apprentice Electrician.
“Learning and getting paid to do it rather than going to college for five days a week is the best way to learn a trade.
I’m getting loads of experience, learning how to do loads of different things and gaining more confidence when working in customers’ homes.
It’s the best I’ve felt in a while. I’m learning things that will go towards my future career.”
Jay Brennan from Chester-le-Street started as Apprentice Joiner in August.
“I decided to get into joinery because my grandfather was a joiner himself, seeing him working around the house got me into it.
I was working with Brendan from the Foundations for Life team during the application process. He helped me a lot with my CV, with the interview, even with how I was going to get to the interview on the day. It was really easy, smooth sailing, there were no hiccups or bumps.
Getting the apprenticeship gave me a massive boost in my confidence. I was starting to steer away from joinery because I was going so long without getting any work. Getting the job here and working with the team has boosted my confidence so much it made me realise that joinery is what I’m set out to do.”
Toni from South Stanley also started as Apprentice Joiner in August. Toni is a mother of two who took a different approach to her career path:
“I focused on my family first, I’ve raised two children who are now 14 and 11. Now that they’re old enough I wanted to take this time to focus on developing my own career.
“I think it shows the kids that you can do anything you want, you just need to put the work in.
“I love it. Best thing I’ve ever done.”
Ollie from Dipton has been working as an Apprentice Heating Engineer. Ollie had previously been working in a pub until he spotted the apprenticeship positions come up at Karbon.
“I’d heard really positive things about the place. I also live in a Karbon house and all the workmen that have come have all been very understanding, they’ve communicated very well so it seemed like a good place to work for.
It’s been very smooth. The application process was really easy. I felt welcomed when I came in for the interview.
It’s great. I can’t say a bad thing about Karbon or the job. I get up and I want to go to work, I actually enjoy the job.”
Debra from Jarrow joined Karbon as a Customer Relationship Apprentice. Debra is a mum of two who used to work for Hays Travel in their accounts department.
“After Covid I thought ‘Life’s too short’ and I should just go for it.
I love it. Karbon are hands down the best company I’ve worked for. I’ve really enjoyed learning about the social housing side of things, repairs, income and working with the general public.
I definitely want to keep working with Karbon and would be interested in a role as a support worker or in the finance team or carrying on in the customer relationship team.”
Ask us a question
If you have any questions about a career at Karbon Homes, please drop an email to recruitment@karbonhomes.co.uk.
