Committed to creating employment

The opportunity

As WCHG’s heating contractor, RPS committed to creating employment and training opportunities for local people as part of our social value delivery in Wythenshawe. One of those commitments was a Business and Administration apprenticeship within our office team, supporting the contracts and customer service staff who run the WCHG programme day to day.

Rather than advertise the role through our usual channels, we asked WCHG to find the candidate. WCHG’s employment team works directly with residents looking for work and training, so recruiting through it meant the opportunity would go to a young person from the community the contract serves.

Working in partnership

WCHG’s Employment Co-ordinator, Poppi Gallagher, led the search on WCHG’s side, identifying and preparing candidates from within Wythenshawe. RPS set out what the role involved and what support the apprentice would receive, and our Contracts Manager, Paul Comer and Recourses Manger Kimmy Whyte, met the shortlisted candidates. Lacey was appointed and started with RPS in September 2026, working towards her Business and Administration qualification alongside her day-to-day role with the team.

“We would like to say a huge thanks to Rothwell for offering a local Wythenshawe resident the Business and Admin apprenticeship opportunity and placing their trust in us to provide them with the right candidate for the role. Well done for securing the apprenticeship Lacey, absolutely well deserved and we can’t wait to see you flourish in your new and exciting role!”

Poppi Gallagher, Employment Co-ordinator, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

“We’re delighted to welcome Lacey, a new local apprentice, to our team. We’re really looking forward to working with her, supporting her development and helping her build valuable skills and experience as she begins her career with us. We’re proud to invest in local talent and can’t wait to see her grow and succeed as part of the team.”

Jamie Moss, Contracts Manager, RPS Group