A groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing communities in the northeast has led to the creation of nine apprenticeships within its first year, highlighting a noteworthy milestone in regional development. Launched in April 2024 by believe housing, the be:ONE partnership is dedicated to not only upgrading homes but also providing valuable employment opportunities for locals. This ambitious partnership aims to deliver comprehensive internal and external improvements to approximately 5,600 homes over four years, making it a significant venture in terms of both scope and impact. The collaboration involves contractors Buston & Maughan, RE:GEN Group, Sendrig Construction Limited, and Sunter Limited, all of whom are equally committed to fostering local economic growth through job creation and apprenticeships.
New Apprenticeships Across Collaborating Companies
Already in its first year, the be:ONE partnership has made considerable strides by introducing new apprenticeships across the companies involved. For instance, Sunter Limited has hired Scott Hutchinson as a property maintenance trainee, while Sendrig Construction brought on board Robert Kirsopp as an apprentice joiner. Additionally, Buston & Maughan has welcomed Brooke Hawes as an electrical apprentice, marking a step towards skill development in various trades. The efforts of RE:GEN Group stand out particularly, as they have taken on six apprentices, including roles as site managers and quantity surveyors. These diverse opportunities reflect the partnership’s commitment to offering a range of career paths for the community.
David Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Works at believe housing, expressed that the be:ONE initiative is designed to offer far-reaching benefits well beyond the primary goal of upgrading homes. According to Taylor, this endeavor seeks to enrich the broader community by creating stable job opportunities and fostering a skilled workforce. Jonathan Horner, Managing Director at RE:GEN North East, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the long-term advantages of this comprehensive partnership. Horner highlighted the potential for job creation and sustainable social housing regeneration as critical outcomes of their collaborative effort.
Enhanced Customer Experiences and Environmental Focus
Beyond apprenticeship creation and job opportunities, the be:ONE partnership places significant emphasis on improving customer experiences and maximizing social value. This approach involves not only enhancing the quality of homes but also ensuring that residents receive superior service and care throughout the process. Further, the initiative aims to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies, which contribute to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the project.
One of the key pillars of the be:ONE partnership is its commitment to the environment. By focusing on cutting carbon emissions, reducing waste, and improving recycling efforts, the collaboration aims to address pressing environmental concerns. These efforts align with a broader global push towards sustainability and responsible resource management. This holistic approach ensures that the partnership’s impact transcends mere infrastructure improvements, addressing both social and environmental goals in tandem.
A Model for Community and Economic Development
Overall, the be:ONE partnership’s successes in its first year signal the potential for substantial community and economic development through innovative and purposeful collaborations. By establishing apprenticeships and focusing on enhancing both the community and environment, the initiative stands as a model for others in the housing and construction sectors to emulate. This partnership demonstrates how combining comprehensive home improvements with job creation and environmental responsibility can yield far-reaching benefits for local communities.
The promising outcomes of the be:ONE partnership underscore the importance of integrated approaches to regional development. By investing in people, homes, and the environment, this collaboration has laid a solid foundation for continued growth and success. The first year’s achievements serve as a testament to the potential of such initiatives to drive meaningful change and create lasting value for communities.
