Property firm expands its apprenticeship programme

Paula Laws, who started her George F White career as an apprentice.

The decision by land, property and business specialists George F White comes on the back of success in taking on young people and training them in specific roles across the business.

The North East’s employment rate is among the country’s lowest, with a chronic skills shortage across all industries.

Investing in employees from an early age and providing appropriate training schemes is vital as apprentices are a key part of the future of the northern economy.

Commenting on the development of the apprentice programme, Robyn Peat, managing partner at George F White, said: “As a consultancy, we are very much a people-driven business.

“Getting the right people to join us and remain long-term is a priority.

“Our apprenticeship scheme is fundamental in helping us to achieve this and is an important part of our strategy to help our employees grow and progress within the organisation.”

Since September 2012, George F White has taken on seven apprentices across the North East and each of them has progressed into a full-time role.

The business is currently looking to take on three new apprentices all to work within their residential agency teams.

By expanding the programme, the business is focused on attracting more young people from across the region and equipping them with the necessary skills to work in a professional industry.

Robyn added: “People do business with people, therefore our biggest priority will always be our people-driven brand and ethos.

“One of our apprentices was, in fact, named Apprentice of the Year at the Newcastle Business Awards, which is testament to the talent and skill set among our younger members of the team.

“By expanding our apprenticeship programme, we will be able to create more opportunities for junior employees to develop their career paths as, ultimately, it is the people of the business who hold the key to our success and growth.”

For more information on apprenticeships and current vacancies with the company, visit the website – www.georgefwhite.co.uk