Two apprentices from Blackburn College have been praised after achieving high in their qualification exams.

As part of the mix of roles within the company, many technicians at Together Housing start their journey as an apprentice.

This week marks the start of National Apprenticeships Week, and two apprentices in the gas team, Elijah Jordan and Jack Shaw, achieved a Distinction Level Award in their exams.

As part of their apprenticeship programme through Blackburn College, the duo spent many hours studying alongside their practical work.

Since starting his apprenticeship in 2020, Jack says he applied for the programme with Together Housing after wanting to steer his career in a new direction.

For Jack, a more hands-on role suited him and after achieving a Distinction Award in his exams, he’s looking forward to his prospects.

Jack said: “I saw more of a career opportunity with this role so after seeing the advertisement, I applied straight away.

"I’ve already learned a variety of things like boiler installation, servicing and repairs and maintenance too.

“For anyone else looking to do apprenticeships, I’d say to go for it. The managers I’ve worked with are supportive and I know if I ever need to go to them for advice I can.”

Together Housing Group is one of the country’s largest social landlords, owning and managing more than 38,000 homes, primarily focussed in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Key concentrations of properties are found in Blackburn with Darwen, Calderdale, Pendle and Rossendale.

For Elijah, who applied after leaving high school, he gained much experience through the practical element of the scheme which helped him achieve highly in his exams.

Elijah said: “It was a nice shock to hear I got a distinction award which not everyone gets.

"I’ve learned a lot about servicing and repairing boilers and I’ve enjoyed learning about renewable heating systems too.

“Apprenticeships are a good way to get your foot into the door and you’re earning whilst you’re learning so that’s a big plus too.”

Chris Morley, Repairs Team Coordinator for Together Housing, said: “We’re really proud of the pair for going above and beyond to achieve their Distinction Awards.

"Not everyone who does similar schemes achieves such a high standard so to see two of our apprentices come out with this is a testament to the hard work and effort put into the programme by both staff and apprentices.”