February 9th-15th is National Apprenticeship week, and to mark the occasion we sat down with our three Property Maintenance Operative Apprentices!

After joining us last year, we are delighted with the way Jake, Sherrona and Tyler have each settled within the urbanest community.

As part of their programme, Jake, Sherrona and Tyler spend four days a week as part of our Maintenance Team, gaining structured learning and hands‑on experience alongside one day a week studying at college. By the end of the two-year programme, they will achieve a Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative Qualification.

We are delighted with the development Jake, Sherrona and Tyler have displayed in a short space of time, as part of our long-term Learning & Development strategy to grow the business from within.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we heard from them about their start to life at urbanest.

What made you choose an apprenticeship at urbanest?

Jake: Because the company offered a lot of opportunities to learn and grow my knowledge in the maintenance industry.

Sherrona: I enjoy practical, hands-on work, and urbanest gives me the chance to learn quickly and take real responsibility.

Tyler: I was very keen to learn and develop new skills in maintenance; I saw an apprenticeship at urbanest as a great opportunity to fulfil all my interests because of the different fields available to learn.

How would you sum up your first 3-4 months at urbanest?

Jake: So far everything has been smooth sailing, and hopefully this can carry on in 2026! I have definitely learnt a lot since being here and hopefully there is a lot more to come.

Sherrona: I came in a little bit unsure but quickly grew in confidence. It’s been great getting stuck straight into hands-on work, which has been great for learning on the job.

Tyler: Being the youngest person in the team came with some nerves, but the welcome I’ve had since first walking through the door has really helped me to settle. The atmosphere in my building feels like a community rather than just a workplace.

What are you most looking forward to for the future as you continue your journey at urbanest?

Jake: Completing the apprenticeship and progressing further in the company to one day be in a manager or supervisor role.

Sherrona: Growing into a role where I can make a real difference for residents every day. I want to deepen my skills in property maintenance, take on new challenges and be someone the team can rely on.

Tyler: Continuing to learn new skills and gaining more knowledge, as well as taking on more responsibility over time as I mature and grow within the company.

What’s an achievement you are proud of since you started?

Jake: Being able to settle into the team well and working well with all the people in my building.

Sherrona: How much I’ve grown in confidence. Coming into a hands-on environment could have been intimidating, but I am trusting my skills and proving to myself that I belong.

Tyler: The way I have settled into the business, plus being able to learn new things very quickly and put them into practical jobs.

Lastly, the theme for National Apprenticeship Week is Skills for Life, so are there any skills that you have learnt already that you will have for life?

Jake: To name a few; installing appliances, water testing for legionella prevention, daily plant room checks to identify faults or potential risks. Improved communication also means I can approach and comfortably deal with reactive tasks and discuss these with international residents from all over the world.

Sherrona: A greater understanding of plumbing. At first, I thought it was just about fixing taps or pipes, but every time I repair a leak or restore hot water, I see the direct positive impact on a residents’ day. I’ve also learned patience and resilience when things don’t go to plan.

Tyler: Before joining urbanest I had little to no experience with Altherma units, but now I’ve learnt how to read and understand them. I’m now familiar with how they work and I am confident in identifying when they aren’t working correctly. I’m proud of the skills I’ve learnt in a short time, and I look forward to learning more in the future!