Marvin OnumonuAspo Recruitment has partnered with Crescent City Properties (CCP) to help care-experienced apprentices find secure housing during their courses.
The move aims to tackle a key barrier faced by young people leaving care, who often struggle to access safe and affordable accommodation.
Research by the APPG for Ending Homelessness in 2017 found a third of care leavers experienced homelessness in the first two years after leaving care, and a quarter of all homeless people had been in care at some point.
James Kimble, founder of Aspo Recruitment, said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Anita and Crescent City Properties on such a vital issue that unfairly affects so many people across the country.
“My dad grew up in care, so developing this partnership has been a personal mission and one I am proud to be involved with.
“Just 3% of care leavers chose to do an apprenticeship last year, so we must do more not only to teach them about the program and its benefits, but also be actively involved in supporting them throughout their journey, and I’m glad that our partnership announced today supports this.”
Anita Tien, founder of CCP, said: “It’s great to be collaborating with James on this shared mission in helping disadvantaged young people get the best start in life.
“Having James support us on this journey is a defining moment in creating a more accessible pathway for aspiring apprentices.
“I believe this partnership demonstrates a significant shift in rivalling the university experience during a time where employers are valuing skills over qualifications and the rental market is becoming more inaccessible to young people.”
