News

Flagship Group has been awarded as the East of England’s ‘Large Employer of the Year’ at the National Apprenticeship Awards (NAS) 2021. This is the second year in a row that Flagship has been recognised for its commitment to employing apprentices and helping them to progress into careers at the Group. 

Currently, there are 87 apprentices at Flagship, aged 17 to 57, working in range of roles from plumbers and IT technicians, to community officers and energy and sustainability assistants. 100% of the Group’s apprentices who have completed their study in the last 12 months have achieved a distinction grade.

Tomas Lloyd, the Group’s dedicated Apprenticeship Delivery Manager said: “We have so many great people who do really great things and we’re dedicated to investing in their future. It’s fantastic that the Group has been recognised for the second year in a row – it really shows how committed we are, and we couldn’t do it without the hard work, passion and dedication of many individuals”.

“We hope this will encourage more talented people to join the Group, knowing we’re an outstanding provider of apprenticeships and a great place to earn whilst you learn. Most importantly, you can help to make a difference to thousands of people”.

The judges at the NAS praised the Group’s apprentices for the ‘tangible and exceptional’ work they had achieved during Covid-19. One apprentice made 485 supportive calls to tenants during the pandemic – helping with arrears and wellbeing.

The Group’s furniture voucher initiative was also recognised by the judges, where two apprentices researched, planned, and implemented a scheme with the British Heart Foundation, to ensure tenants in the most vulnerable positions were able to furnish their new homes.

Earlier this year, the Group launched its in-house Academy with the aim of offering greater training and development opportunities to help staff progress in their career. 

Matt Levesley, who has nearly completed his housing degree apprenticeship with the Group said: "Flagship pushes you even further than what is expected within the apprenticeship - I have been fortunate to attend additional training such as an Introduction to Leadership, Assertiveness Training, Mental Health First Aid Training and Conflict Management Training that have all been beneficial for me to increase my knowledge and confidence in the workplace; apprentices aren't just given their coursework to gain the necessary skills and knowledge, Flagship goes above and beyond."  

For more information about Flagship Group’s apprenticeships, please visit flagship-group.co.uk/careers.