Hiring an apprentice can diversify and benefit your business in a number of ways. It also gives someone the opportunity to learn practical skills and gain a qualification at the same time.

This is why we are supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2020.

The theme for this year is to ‘Look Beyond’ the outdated stereotypes that still surround apprenticeships, and to encourage you to see that apprentices hold value within many industries across the country.

We want to celebrate the brilliant apprentices that currently work for our organisation and share their unique journeys with you. Maybe we could inspire you to invest in an apprentice as well?

Meet Tom…

My name is Tom and I’m doing the Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeship. I officially started the apprenticeship last October and it is due to be an 18-month course with an End-point Assessment. I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to experience a different environment after being in full-time education at school and college. I saw it as a great way to learn a trade and earn at the same time. I also felt like it would be beneficial to me to get a few years’ work experience under my belt and a head start on those going to university, whilst at the same time still having a great qualification to show for it after 18 months (hopefully). I’ve worked at the Skills and Education Group for around three months now and it’s a great place to work, with friendly and committed staff who have made me feel welcome straight away. There is strong leadership and direction from the top, and there are clear fundamental values and a noble purpose at its heart, which makes the role more satisfying and rewarding.

Meet Abbie…

My name is Abbie Roberts and I am currently doing the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship. I have completed my Level 2 Business Administration with a previous employer and I am looking forward to completing my Level 3 with the Skills and Education Group. I chose an apprenticeship rather than A-levels or college, as it would be the best way for me to gain valuable experience of a working environment. I am enjoying working for the Skills and Education Group and have learnt so much! Apprenticeships are such a great way to learn the skills required for a job and also gain a qualification at the end. My apprenticeship covers so many different areas and I have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics.

Meet Chris…

I’m currently doing the Level 3 IT Solutions Software Technician apprenticeship, which is awarded by the British Computer Society (BCS). I chose an apprenticeship over the other options I had, such as applying for university or going to college for a second time, as it allows me to gain both workplace experience and academic knowledge. In the IT industry and many others you need a balance of both experience and knowledge to do your job well, and at a low level with little experience it allows someone like myself to get into the sector. The Skills and Education Group is a great organisation to work for. The team I work with are all very helpful and supportive, the management at all levels make an effort to ensure I’m getting on well with work and with my apprenticeship.

Meet Emily…

My name is Emily and I am currently doing the Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship. Since finishing my A-Levels, I have been in the workplace, however I have been unsure of which career I wanted to progress in. I found a passion in marketing but with no substantial industry experience and no relevant qualifications under my belt, it was difficult for me to get a job. Doing an apprenticeship is a good option when you want to gain practical workplace experience and gain the academic knowledge to support your career. The Skills and Education Group have an effective support system in place for apprentices, which makes working for the company really enjoyable. I feel like I am learning and working towards my dream career, without the student debt!

Join the conversation with us @SEG_Awards on Twitter and don’t forget to hashtag #NAW2020 #LookBeyond