HMS TAKES ON THIRTY NEW APPRENTICES 

HMS has been looking for 30 new apprentices to begin working with them in September. They also have a range of other job opportunities as they expand their maintenance programme across their properties. If you would like to pursue a career in construction keep reading.

HMS is a Liverpool business that repairs and maintains houses.

It is owned by a company called Torus who are also a Liverpool based business. With an annual turnover of £100 million, they are the North West’s largest affordable housing provider and one of its biggest and fastest-growing developers and commercial contractors. In January Torus started a massive repair and maintenance programme worth £1.2 billion. HMS will be responsible for £450 million of this programme, so it needs new talent to help over the next few years. They have been looking for trainee electricians, heating engineers, plumbers, plasterers and joiners.

HMS recruits the majority of its trainees using their apprenticeship scheme.

Since 2019 it has taken on more than 100 apprentices. There is a skills gap in construction and HMS are filling that by providing first class training and experience. They are committed to doing this using apprenticeships that allow trainees to gain qualifications and earn a wage while training. Their commitment to apprenticeships comes from the top of the organisation. 

“There is a clear skills gap in the construction industry. I believe apprenticeships are the best way to proactively address the shortfall of qualified tradespeople we have across the sector,” explains Paul Worthington, HMS Managing Director. “Apprenticeships not only offer a sustainable, long-term training and employment opportunity for individuals, they positively contribute to the local economy by upskilling its communities and keeping sought-after trades in the local area. For HMS, apprenticeships are a long-term investment, and a number of our current managers and leaders, including myself, began their career as an apprentice, so I know that this can be an important and career-defining first step for many.”

So, what is it like to be an apprentice at HMS?

Ian Whelan is one of HMS’ Gas Apprentices. He was working as a Solicitor for over 6 years and changed his career after he was furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic. He came from a family of Gas Engineers. His Dad, Brother and Uncle are all in the industry, so after being made redundant he began to help his Dad fix people’s boilers and install heating systems. After 18 months he began to look at becoming qualified. 

“Gaining the necessary qualifications to be a Gas Engineer is very expensive, so I started looking into apprenticeships and different ways I could become fully qualified,” Ian reveals. “I wanted to work with HMS as it’s such a vast company, and one that is regarded so highly, so when I was offered the only Gas Apprenticeship available, I was over the moon! As I am slightly older than some apprentices, HMS’ support has enabled me to progress thorough my apprenticeship really quickly and in only a year, I am nearly done and only have about 4 months left to go. I’m really loving my apprenticeship and working at HMS as it has already given me loads of opportunities to learn and develop.”

During his apprenticeship Ian has been working with HMS’ high-skilled and qualified Gas Team across Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington. He has been fixing radiators, heating systems and boilers to keep people’s homes warm.

“I’m enjoying the work and as I have a lot of experience, I get the chance to work with a number of different teams and people – which is great as everyone is so lovely and helpful. I’m so happy to be completing my apprenticeship at HMS and it is already exceeding the expectations I had for it – I now can’t wait to be fully qualified and hopefully working at HMS as a full time Gas Engineer in no time,” says Ian.

As part of the Torus Group, HMS apprentices’ also benefit from support and guidance from the Torus Foundation, which includes support with interviews and writing CVs, applying for a CSCS Card and driving lessons.

If you are interested in a career in construction then take a look at the opportunities on the HMS website or visit: https://www.hmsworks.co.uk/working-for