Gentoo to offer 16 new apprenticeships in Sunderland

Working in partnership with Sunderland College the firm is looking to recruit apprentices for a number of skilled trades including electrical, gas, plumbing and bricklaying.

They are also looking to recruit arboriculture, roofing and business administration apprentices as well as a construction development apprentice within their house building arm.

John Craggs, Gentoo’s chief executive officer, said: “Gentoo has a strong track record of developing talent and supporting people through their chosen career path.

“We are delighted to be welcoming new apprentices to Gentoo, this is not only a great opportunity for the apprentices themselves but for us as a business.

“This will help us to continue to be a strong business, contribute to the local economy and develop new talent.”

Some of the successful applicants will spend four days a week learning on the job and will attend Sunderland College’s new City Campus one day a week, where they will study towards a qualification in their chosen career. 92% of apprentices that study at Sunderland College remain employed at the end of their apprenticeship, significantly higher than the national average.

Ellen Thinnesen, principal at Sunderland College, said: “Gentoo are one of our valued partners and we are delighted to be working with them to deliver their apprenticeship scheme.

“It’s an exciting venture and not only will the apprentices have hands-on experience with one of the city’s leading organisations but they will also be some of our first students to study in our brand new £29million City Campus when it opens in September.”

Gentoo is one of the biggest employers and landlords in Sunderland and since 2001 they have created more than 220 apprenticeships

Owen Smith, a former quantity surveying apprentice with Gentoo, said: “My apprenticeship has gave me experience of working with new people every day.

“It has gave me the opportunity to develop new skills and helped me adapt quickly to an office environment.

“Gentoo has really supported me throughout my apprenticeship and through my Level 3 Diploma and NVQ which I am really grateful for.

“I’ve now secured a permanent position at Gentoo as a Trainee Assistant Project Manager, building on the skills I’ve acquired in my time as an apprentice”.

An open day will be held at Gentoo offices in Doxford Park on Saturday, July 2, from 10am to 2pm.

Applicants will be able to find out more about the vacancies and the application process. Staff will also be on hand to offer advice and support with completing the application form as well as further information on job roles.

Applicants will need to apply online via gentoopeople.com and roles will be advertised from Monday June 27 with the closing date Friday, July 15.