We are delighted to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, an annual campaign backed by the government.
This year the theme is ‘Build the Future’, encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships help to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.
The week-long celebration, starting on 8 February, will shine a light on the fantastic work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.
It will also recognise how employers of all sizes have stepped up to the challenge during these difficult times.
At LiveWest we appreciate the full value of apprenticeships in helping to set people on their chosen career path.
We currently have 39 apprentices in programmes ranging from Level 2 in Plumbing to Level 7 Masters in Business Administration, with a variety of levels and specialisms in between.
During this week we’ll be celebrating some of our great apprentices across LiveWest and hearing more about their journeys and the support they have been given along the way.
Our Head of People and Reward, Sandra Davison, said: “National Apprenticeships Week is a great opportunity for us to highlight the amazing progress our apprentices have made during the last year.
“It has been inspirational to hear their stories and their achievements over the course of what has been a difficult last 11 months.
“Apprenticeships can be a life-changing experience for many, providing a foundation to build their careers in the future.
“At LiveWest we have taken positive steps to ensure our apprentices are able to continue their studies and get that vital practical experience during this unprecedented time.
“This week is a chance to focus on how our apprentices, of all ages and backgrounds, across LiveWest are helping to improve the organisation.”
Apprentice gas engineer Anthony Hadley said: “I have never looked back since joining LiveWest. I absolutely love it.
“The support has been outstanding, and you receive the very best guidance and help along the way.”
Isabella Beard, who is an apprentice Administrator in Income, said: “I have found my apprenticeship extremely rewarding. I had not been in education since college and working towards targets and completing tasks has been a great motivation within my role.
“Being part of an organisation that is heavily customer focused, especially during the pandemic, has made me proud to work here.”
Despite the sudden switch from the office to home working following the outbreak of Covid-19, Isabella Beard has relished every moment of her apprenticeship.
Having worked as a Team Leader at Tesco for almost three years, Isabella arrived at LiveWest in October 2019 at the age of 20 to start an apprenticeship in the Income Team as an administrator.
Isabella said: “I have found my apprenticeship extremely rewarding. I had not been in education since college and working towards targets and completing tasks has been a great motivation within my role.
“Being part of an organisation that is heavily customer focused, especially during the pandemic, has made me proud to work here.
“Being able to work from home has played a key role in keeping me safe during the pandemic.
“LiveWest’s quick solutions to adapt to the new working environment has been great and the technology means we can all stay connected so although you are working from home, you still feel part of a team.”
Fin Walker left school at 16 to take up an apprenticeship with LiveWest.
He completed a Level 3 NVQ Apprenticeship in Construction and, after two years with the organisation, he was offered the opportunity to do a Level 6 apprenticeship in quantity surveying – a part-time degree at the University College of Estates Management.
With one year left of his degree, Fin has already fixed his sights on becoming a fully qualified quantity surveyor and securing his chartership from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Fin said: “I love working for LiveWest, I love what I do, and it makes me feel proud to play my part.
“I like the people here and it’s a nice place. They nurture people and help you develop.”
Click here to find out more about what it's like being an apprentice at LiveWest.