The Calico Group has launched a new apprenticeship programme designed to create opportunities for local young people who may not otherwise see employment or career progression as being within reach.
Called Pathways, the programme launches with four apprenticeship opportunities across the organisation. It’s the first step in a wider ambition to create more opportunities for local young people who may not otherwise see employment or career progression as being within reach.
The programme has been developed as part of Calico’s commitment to creating stronger communities and helping more people influence their own futures through employment, skills and opportunity.
Chloe Pinder from Calico’s Talent and Development Team said:
“We know that not every young person starts from the same place. Some have never had the opportunity to build experience, some lack confidence, and some simply don’t see people like themselves progressing into employment or careers.
“As an organisation rooted in our communities, we believe we have a role to play in changing that.”
Calico is now recruiting for four apprenticeship positions:
- Apprentice Joiner
- Apprentice Plumber
- Apprentice Transactions Officer
- Business and Finance Administrator Apprentice
While the roles sit in different parts of the Group, they all form part of a new approach designed to help young people build confidence, develop skills and gain meaningful experience in the workplace.
Working alongside colleagues, community partners and young people themselves, the Recruitment Team has redesigned the apprenticeship experience to focus on potential, values and ambition rather than previous experience.
Successful candidates will receive additional support including workplace and peer mentors, a dedicated induction programme, opportunities to get involved with Youth Voice activities and exposure to different parts of the organisation.
The Group has also moved away from traditional interviews. Instead, applicants will take part in an apprenticeship assessment day designed with input from young people and focused on helping candidates feel comfortable, learn more about Calico and demonstrate their potential.
Chloe said:
“For many young people, getting a chance is often the hardest part. Pathways is about opening doors, building confidence and showing people that a career is possible, even if they’ve never seen themselves in that position before.
“So we’re not looking for the finished article or the perfect CV. We’re looking for potential.
Importantly, Calico has committed to supporting every candidate who takes part.
Applicants who are not offered a role will still receive personalised feedback, support from the Recruitment Team and Calico Enterprise, and signposting to other employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Chloe added:
“Success isn’t just measured by how many apprentices we recruit. If a young person leaves the process feeling more confident, more informed about their options and more positive about their future, that’s a positive outcome too.
“We want every young person who engages with us to leave with something valuable.”
The programme has been developed in partnership with teams across Calico Homes, Calico Group Business Services teams, and Safenet, and young people have been involved in shaping the recruitment experience.
Chloe said:
“Talent exists in every neighbourhood and every community.
“Through Pathways, we’re trying to remove some of the barriers that can stop young people from taking that first step. We want more local people to see that there is a place for them, that their potential matters and that a career is something they can aspire to and achieve.
“This is about much more than filling vacancies. It’s about investing in people, supporting our communities and helping create opportunities that can change lives.”
Applications for all four apprenticeship opportunities are now open at calico.org.uk/pathways
