Young apprentice launches career with Aster Group

Young adults across the South are being given the opportunity to develop a career in the Housing industry with developer and landlord, Aster Group.

Apprentice Lauren Pearce, 21, has now completed her two-year apprenticeship with the Andover based business in its housing team and has successfully secured a permanent job as a customer accounts advisor in the process.

While on placement, Lauren was given the opportunity to learn from the housing team and spent time working on reception, with lettings, customer accounts, neighbourhoods and the anti-social behaviour team.

Alongside working full time Lauren also completed an online course and gained her Level 3 certificate in Housing.

Of her experience, Lauren said: “After leaving college I started a couple of different jobs but wasn’t really enjoying them. I wanted a change in direction and this apprenticeship offered me a great opportunity to do something different while learning new skills.

“I personally think a lot of young people go to University because they don’t really know what they want to do in life. Many will come away with a degree that they never use and debt to pay.

“I think more people should consider apprenticeships instead. You’re being paid to learn valuable work-specific skills and you have a real chance of getting a permanent job at the end.”

Karin Gibbs-Warne, from Aster said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn new skills and to get some real hands-on experience.

“Lauren is a perfect example of someone who has made the most of her apprenticeship and we are delighted to offer her a permanent role within our housing team.”

Aster, which employs 1,300 people from Cornwall to Hampshire, has provided over 50 apprenticeships since 2011. Ranging from customer services, business administration and skilled trades such as electrical, gas and plumbing, as well as trainee surveyor and digital skills roles.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from 5-9 March. If you’re interested in our apprenticeship opportunities, to find out more click here