The 11th National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2018) is being celebrated this week.
Apprenticeships provide you with practical on the job experience, access to learning tools and nationally recognised qualifications and therefore, a great pathway to building a successful career.
As an Employer Provider, we are delighted to support #NAW2018 and will be running a series of different features over the course of the week.
Our first feature is on our Business Administration Apprentices, Alex Brady and Sophie Hancox.
ALEX BRADY – HUMAN RESOURCES
Alex from our HR team has very recently completed her apprenticeship and gained an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Business Administration.
Over the last 18 months, Alex has had the opportunity to learn and develop a variety of skills and experience and has proven that she is an integral member of the People Services team in the HR department.
Alex was also nominated by the team and won the Customer Service Champion award for 2017 for her excellent approach to customer service when dealing with the queries that are directed to the People Services team.
What attracted you to apply for an Apprenticeship?
I was unsure what career path would suit me best and therefore did not want to commit to going to University.
I explored different options and applied for this particular Apprenticeship as I could gain an NVQ level qualification along with the relevant experience and earning my own money.
What experience and qualifications you have you gained from your Apprenticeship?
Lots!
I have gained really valuable experience in Human Resources dealing with both internal and external customers on email and over the phone. I deal with a wide variety from colleagues and line managers, anything from password resets to pay queries to running webinars on how to use our HR system.
Since starting my Apprenticeship I feel much more confident speaking to people on the phone and delivering good customer service to them.
What have you enjoyed most about your Apprenticeship?
I have enjoyed everything and in particular building my confidence as well as a career in Human Resources.
It has taught me many transferrable skills with regards to customer service and adopting an organised approach which I lacked in when I first started with Certas Energy.
I have built relationships with colleagues and the wider business which in turn has enhanced my confidence and people skills. I feel optimistic that I will progress in the business as I continue to develop the skills that I have gained from the qualification.
SOPHIE HANCOX – FUEL CARDS
Sophie joined Certas Energy in September 2016 as an Apprentice with our bulk fuels team and shortly after moved across to the Fuel Cards department.
As a member of the Fuel Cards Support team, Sophie has a range of responsibilities including managing the Credit Application verification process within the prescribed timescales and supporting the Fuel Cards Sales team as well as customers with various queries.
Through her tenure at Certas Energy, Sophie has gained confidence as well as a range of skills such as time management, communication and customer service.
Sophie is a valued member of the team and has proven herself to be a credible source of knowledge for all Fuel Card support related queries and her ability to problem solve and offer solutions.
It has been our pleasure to support Sophie through her Apprenticeship and enable her to successfully complete her qualification and gain an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.
