As the leading provider of homes with positive impact, we know how important it is to build partnerships that help us to create vibrant communities and a strong workforce to support our customers.
One of these partnerships is with the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and we’ve worked together for many years to provide apprenticeships, T Level placements and work experience opportunities to hundreds of people in West Yorkshire, giving them valuable hands-on experience of working in housing.
We’re proud that this work has been recognised in the shortlist for the Collaboration of the Year Award at this year’s Wakefield Business Awards. This award celebrates the work of two organisations who have come together to build a successful partnership that adds value to both.
Sharon Poole, Social Inclusion Manager, said: “Vico Homes is at the centre of our community, so it’s incredibly important that we invest in young people’s futures. Becoming a T Level industry placement provider has allowed us to showcase the wide variety of roles which are available within Vico Homes and enabled us to offer bespoke placements which are aligned to each student’s career aspirations and goals.”
Lorraine Cross, Group Executive Director for External Partnerships, Skills and Apprenticeships at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, added: "At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we are proud to work hand-in-hand with employers who share our commitment to transforming lives through skills and opportunity.
“Our long-standing partnership with Vico Homes is a perfect example of how collaboration at every level creates real impact for our learners, employers and communities alike. To see this work acknowledged by being shortlisted for the Collaboration Award at the Wakefield Business Awards is hugely rewarding, and it underlines the value of what can be achieved when education and industry come together with a shared purpose."
We’re also celebrating another success as our Business Planning Officer, Eleanor Wainwright, has been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award which celebrates a person under the age of 30 who has gone above and beyond in their role, making their mark at a young age and exceeding expectations.
Eleanor was shortlisted after quickly become a standout leader at Vico Homes, delivering measurable improvements across multiple service areas since joining as a graduate in 2022. Eleanor leads a newly rebuilt support team and drives efficiencies across major investment programmes.
Reaching the final shortlist for these awards is a testament to the incredible work happening across Vico Homes. From building meaningful partnerships that open doors for young learners, to nurturing future leaders like Eleanor, we are proud to see our values reflected in both categories.