Wolverhampton Homes apprentice, Ravel Wallace, is celebrating after winning a prestigious regional award.
The second-year plumbing and gas apprentice was awarded 2023 Apprentice of the Year for the property and construction industries, at the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards. Ravel joined Wolverhampton Homes in 2022 and combines his on-the-job learning with study at the City of Wolverhampton College.
Ravel told us:
“Starting my apprenticeship marked a new pathway for me – a turning point which I believe was for the best. I knew if I wanted a positive future, and I’m so grateful to Wolverhampton Homes for giving me that opportunity.
“My main motivation now is to prove that you can change your life if you put your mind to it. I want to share my story for others in my situation, to inspire others that there is an alternative – you need to be brave and take that first step. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come – I can now confidently speak with customers, even the mayor and councillors – which I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to before.”
Ravel was put forward for the award by managers at Wolverhampton Homes who were impressed by his work ethic, passion for learning and customer focus, which quickly made him a valuable member of the team.
Ravel has also supported this year’s cohort of new apprentices who joined the company in September, as part of their commitment to create sustainable careers for young people in the city, in line with the city council’s priorities.
He explained:
“I do everything I can to support us on our mission, helping people to get on in life. I know first-hand what it’s like to feel there’s limited options after school, so I do my best to make sure others know about Wolverhampton Homes’ apprenticeship scheme.”
Julie Haydon, Director of Corporate Services at Wolverhampton Homes, said:
“Apprenticeships are an excellent route to a secure and fulfilling career and we are committed to supporting the City of Wolverhampton Council’s priority to support young people in the city to reach their potential. Ravel has shown his dedication and tenacity, right from the initial recruitment day, and we’re so pleased he received this award in recognition of his hard work and determination to succeed.
“Ravel’s mentor, Mark, joined Wolverhampton Homes as an apprentice himself so he’s been a fantastic role model, and is able to demonstrate to young recruits the career progression that’s available if you work hard and excel in your role.”
Ravel’s win comes a year after third year Wolverhampton Homes apprentice Connor Smith received his gold Apprentice of the Year Award from the Black Country Ladder. We’re looking forward to hearing from this year’s intake of apprentices and seeing what they can achieve in 2024!
For more information about careers with Wolverhampton Homes, visit our website: