Novus Property Solutions says it is celebrating a record-breaking year for apprenticeships after over 1,500 people applied for the 28 places on offer at the national property maintenance, refurbishment, and new build contractor.
The company’s nationwide search to find talented people looking to build their careers in the construction sector drew interest from all corners of the UK, with people applying to becoming apprentice joiners, painters and decorators, and general maintenance labourers.
Novus, which has 30 offices nationwide, is now in the process of selecting a shortlist of candidates who will be invited to take part in the Novus apprentice week in August, where they will participate in team-building activities, meet Novus’ current apprentices and be interviewed by the company’s directors.
The apprentice week will also see the candidates take part in a community makeover project at The Macari Centre for homeless people in Stoke-on-Trent.
Commenting on the volume of applicants, the company’s managing director, Neil Hand, who started his Novus career as an apprentice, said: “Novus has a strong record of attracting apprentices, and we have a retention rate of 91 per cent for those we take on. To have 53 applicants for every opening this year demonstrates that apprenticeships are still an attractive option for people wanting to start their career.
“I know first-hand how transformative the Novus apprenticeship programme can be, and I’m confident that many of the successful candidates will go on to have long and illustrious careers with us.”
Successful candidates will enroll for their college course in September, and will be assigned a dedicated mentor to guide them throughout their training and college-based learning. While on site, apprentices will work alongside qualified tradespeople and benefit from their expertise, continuing a tradition that Novus has maintained for more than 75 years.
