Evolve, our in-house repairs service has been named a finalist in the Regional Tpas awards 2018.

We’re shortlisted for ‘Excellence in Employment Skills & Training – Contractor’ and ‘Excellence in Contractor Engagement’, for work with Apprenticeships and community engagement.

The annual awards recognise people, ideas and organisations that shape tenant engagement and contribute to driving up standards in social housing.

The shortlisting for the ‘Excellence in Employment Skills & Training – Contractor’ category recognises Evolve’s role in the Apprentice Ship Cup, an annual event where apprentices from around the country spend a week at sea as part of the crew on board a tall ship.

During their time at sea, apprentices learn new skills, work as a team and apply their existing knowledge in their chosen trade to unique situations in one of the most challenging working environments in the world, away from their day-to-day roles.

The event aims to challenge conventional career paths and demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available to those working in the construction industry, whatever their trade or skill level.

We’re also in the running for ‘Excellence in Contractor Engagement’, for Evolve’s work with a local charity to transform some old office space into a multifunctional community hub.

The Cathie Stankevitch Foundation supports disadvantaged children, young people and adults in the Widnes area who face barriers to a normal life.

After a local business donated some old office space, the Foundation wanted to turn it into a safe environment for the people it supports. They reached out to the local community for help, and Evolve responded without hesitation.

They refurbished the entire building free of charge, transforming it into a safe space for learning, activities and events, enabling the Foundation to do even more for the people it supports.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester on 16 March.