Gentoo Group bolsters team with largest apprenticeship intake

A housing association has welcomed its largest-ever intake of apprentices.

Gentoo Group has added 28 youngsters to its team.

The figure is the highest intake since its formation in 2001, with roles covering electrical, gas, plumbing and joinery, and housing and business admin positions.

Louise Bassett, Gentoo chief executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new apprentices.

“It’s such an exciting time to join the organisation, and I’m sure each and every one of our apprentices will have successful careers here.”

She added the new cohort has already taken part in a range of team-building activities and got to know other staff members.

Joinery apprentice Hannah Jackson said: “I’ve already been on the van with my mentor and met lots of new people.

“I chose Gentoo as it’s a values-led organisation and it’s a really welcoming place to work.”

Amy Murphy, a former Gentoo apprentice, who is now a people support assistant in its HR team, added: “I was struck by how driven and committed both new and current apprentices are at the beginning of their journey.

“Gentoo is a fantastic organisation that embodies this and is driven to shaping the future.”

Since its 2001 foundation, Gentoo has created 353 apprenticeship opportunities, with more than 90 per cent successfully completed.