We spoke to some of our former Hyde apprentices and asked them to tell us why they chose to apply to become a Hyde apprentice, what role they are doing now and if they had any tips for future Hyde apprentices. Here's what they had to say:
Charley Gasson
Safer Homes Delivery Technical Surveyor
Q1. Why did you chose to became a Hyde apprentice?
I saw it as a good opportunity to grow and develop myself as a person and develop my career.
Q2. Tell us about the job role you are now doing and how you got there?
I am a Technical Surveyor in the Delivery Team at Hyde. I got to this position by joining the Fire Safety team as an apprentice and from there I grew my knowledge within this department, leading me to become a full-time member of staff as an Administrator and then a Technical Co-Ordinator.
Q3. Do you have any tips you can pass onto any future apprentices?
See it as an investment in yourself. At times it can be tough to balance work and study, however set yourself a routine with your team and you will be up and away in no time. Also talk to people if you ever need help, I have found people at Hyde are very helpful.
Robyn St. Louis
Property Manager
Q1. Why did you chose to became a Hyde apprentice?
I had no idea what direction I wanted to go in life. I was 18 at the time and didn’t go to uni. I have always lived in a Hyde House and I knew I wanted to support residents in social housing, like myself and my mum. My mum happened to get an email regarding the Hyde apprenticeship scheme and so I applied. That’s where my journey started.
Q2. Tell us about the job role you are now doing and how you got there?
I am currently a Property Manager within the Resident Services team, I've been with Hyde nearly 7 years. I started in Customer Services which gave me the ability to gain knowledge in all the different areas within Hyde. I was in Customer services for a year and completed my apprenticeship. From there I moved into admin. I then started to have a clear vision of where I wanted my career to go so I became a Property Manager. I have been a Property Manager now nearly 4 years.
Q3. Do you have any tips you can pass onto any future apprentices?
There is nothing stopping you from doing what you want to do if you put your mind to it. Hyde is a great place to work and gives you the ability to move around and gain experience within the Housing Sector. If successful never be to afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is the reason I am where I am today.
Connor Boe
Resident Services Administrator
Q1. Why did you chose to became a Hyde apprentice?
I was coming towards the end of sixth form and I didn’t want to go to uni. I started looking for an opportunity to work in a role more valuable than a degree in something I may not use in later life. Upon looking into apprenticeships, I found one for Hyde and saw that it was all very promising! I liked the idea of going into something that can open more doors for me down the line.
Q2. Tell us about the job role you are now doing and how you got there?
I am currently within the Resident Services Admin team. When I started as an apprentice, I was within the Income team managing garage rent accounts. I then went onto working as an income office on a 6 month contract, then I was successful in getting a permanent role within the team I am now.
Q3. Do you have any tips you can pass onto any future apprentices?
I would say to always look for more opportunities to learn from others, whether it be shadowing or projects etc. Make the most of your time at Hyde!
Megan Leslie-Miller
Income Officer-Central
Q1. Why did you chose to became a Hyde apprentice?
I always struggled with classroom based learning, so I liked that the Hyde apprenticeship program gave me an opportunity to earn whilst obtaining my NVQ Level 2 in business administration, and also gain great skills working in the sector. Hyde are an excellent company who put their staff as their priority meaning you are looked after whilst providing supporting tenants in need.
Q2. Tell us about the job role you are now doing and how you got there?
After joining as a Hyde apprentice in in 2017, I started as a Purchasing Administrator in the Repairs team. After 10 months, I then secured a position in the Repairs call taking team, which involved booking repairs for residents. I held this position for over a year and then secured a permanent position as a Central Income officer, this involves the management of 1200 rent accounts.
Q3. Do you have any tips you can pass onto any future apprentices?
Take every opportunity that is offered to you. Be passionate about what you do and you will feel great reward in this. Never stop pushing yourself though any barrier that your faced with, Hyde always make sure to support you in what you do and encourage you to be your best self.
Find out how you can apply to become a Hyde Apprentice.