National Apprenticeship Week case studies

HALEY SMITH – AMAZON UK 

Name: Haley Smith (pictured above left)

Role/Apprenticeship: Program Manager – Process Improvement/Improvement Specialist 

Company you are training with: Qualitrain 

How did you get into logistics?  

Getting into logistics was something that fell into my lap. I started at Amazon, not really knowing what I was getting into. All I knew is my packages arrived so quickly every time I ordered that I was interested in how it worked and this is how the journey began.    

What do you see as the main benefits of participating in an apprenticeship?  

Learn and be curious, one of the leadership principles we live by at Amazon. Taking part in an apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to learn something new while you are working and apply it within your role.  

What are the biggest struggles of participating in an apprenticeship?  

Time. At Amazon, we move at 100mph. Doing an apprenticeship forces you to manage your time even more effectively. In the beginning it was a big challenge, however, as time went on I found blocking my calendar for development time became easy! 

What aspects do you enjoy the most?  

I have grown closer to my colleagues who are in different teams but doing the same internship. We get together to review material and grow our knowledge within each other’s field. There are many people that work at Amazon and this is an opportunity to work directly with people that you potentially would have never crossed paths with.   

Following completion of your apprenticeship, how would you like to see your career progress?

Currently, I utilise what I have learnt from my course in my day-to-day tasks, which I hope to directly relate to my progress as a process improvement manager. I believe that the tools that I am obtaining will stay with me forever. Working for Amazon, along with taking part in this apprenticeship, encourages me to always improve processes. There have been times I walk into an event and think “how can this be more effective?” It can drive you crazy, but in a good way. 

DERICK ADU POKU – AMAZON UK 

Name: Derick Adu Poku (pictured centre right)  

Role/Apprenticeship: Peak Planning Supervisor/Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship 

Company you are training with: Amazon Logistics 

How did you get into logistics?  

I was attracted to Amazon Logistics because the company shares the same principles as the military. After speaking to a few veterans who were in the military and transitioned to logistics, I was convinced I could transfer my skills and knowledge from the military background into the logistics sector.   

What do you see as the main benefits of participating in an apprenticeship?  

Work (earning) and learning at the same time. Also having the opportunity to learn and develop on the job. I have had the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals through group discussion, which is pivotal for future career prospects.   

What are the biggest struggles of participating in an apprenticeship?  

Working and learning at the same time can be challenging, but with the right support and good time management skills an apprentice will be successful.    

What aspects do you enjoy the most?  

Learning new skills and applying skills acquired through apprenticeship in my field of work, which is a great opportunity to have an impact at the workplace (Amazon).  

Following completion of your apprenticeship, how would you like to see your career progress?  

More career development opportunities and career promotions. Having the opportunity to apply new skills and knowledge in new, challenging roles.

AMELIE JOY FINNIGAN – DHL

Name: Amelie Joy Finnigan   

Role/Apprenticeship: Supply Chain Management Degree Apprentice 

Company you are training with: Currently training with DHL on the M&S contract 

How did you get into logistics? 

Daunted by the idea of full-time university, I started researching degree apprenticeships, notably in clothing and retail, when I came across my apprenticeship on the GOV.UK site. The process and assessment centres that DHL put in place really introduced me to logistics and gave me a small insight of what was to come. After some very thorough research of the industry and company I was entering, I was sold and started my logistics journey in September 2022. 

What do you see as the main benefits of participating in an apprenticeship? 

As previously mentioned, degree apprenticeships are perfect for people like me who did well at school but never particularly enjoyed it, but thrive off actually being in the environment they want to learn from instead of reading it in a book. You can get used to working hours, working environments, you get to learn how to deal with your pay at a young age, you get to learn from your mistakes, learn from other people who have a wealth of knowledge and can really see how things work in a real-life environment and so much more. Furthermore, for me anyway, I knew I didn't want to stay at home, I wanted to explore and having the opportunity to earn an annual salary gave me the chance to do that independently whilst not giving up on academia. 

What are the biggest struggles of participating in an apprenticeship? 

To be honest, although it's a privilege to be able to do both, it can sometimes be overwhelming to juggle school and work, especially when you want to give 100% of yourself to both. 

What aspects do you enjoy the most? 

I absolutely love being in a work environment, I love learning from the previous generation, getting their tips and tricks and the little secrets they share in order for you to do something faster or better. I love the support you can get as an apprentice; everyone wants you to succeed and if you have the right attitude towards it, most days, it really doesn't feel like work.  

Following completion of your apprenticeship, how would you like to see your career progress? 

The beauty about working for DHL, especially as an apprentice, is that the support we get not only during the scheme but after is humongous, so the world really is our oyster. There are so many different opportunities within the company it's hard to define just one path. I would love to progress onto the aviation sector and work with DHL International, but the possibilities are endless so it's important to keep an open mind and take any opportunity that comes your way, there's always something to learn! 

ROSIE ARROWSMITH – PLA 

Name: Rosie Arrowsmith (pictured right) 

Role/apprenticeship: Maritime Defence Engineering Technician 

Company: Port of London Authority 

Simon Lofting, Head of Marine Engineering, South Essex College, said:  

Rosie had been enrolled on a course close to her home in Kent, but it was cancelled half-way through. Rosie desperately wanted to continue her course, but because she had missed so much, she would have a lot of catching up to do. She would need to finish in two years, not four, due to her contract expiry date. Rosie stated she would focus 100% and said that she could do it. She had the full support of her employer and we agreed to trial her.

From the start, Rosie kept up with all the work placed before her, which was a hard task in itself, but on top of that she travelled from Kent every college day and never missed a lesson. Rosie continued to work hard despite many pressures, never missed a deadline and her work was always to a good standard. 

In summer 2021 she won the Apprentice of the Year and in early 2023 we were informed that she had been shortlisted for the Essex Apprentice of the Year. In addition, the judges were so impressed with her resumé that she was also put forward for the ‘Highly Commended Award for Essex’ which on the night she walked away with, beating every other entrant hands down. 

Rosie has now finished her apprenticeship and has been offered a job with the Port of London Authority, where she works as a marine engineer.

All her grades were of the highest level, and I am very proud of all her hard work and achievements in such a short amount of time. I have invited Rosie into college as an inspirational speaker and to pass on some of her skills in a peer-on-peer teaching session. 

ETHAN SEAL – JGA Ltd 

Name: Ethan Seal 

Role/Apprenticeship: Bid and Proposal Coordinator: Bid and Proposal Coordinator Level 3 

Company you are training with: JGA Ltd 

How did you get into logistics?  

Through my location and everyday exposure to how it drives everyday life, often going unheard of. I live near DIRFT in Crick, which is a large hub for warehousing and distribution. Seeing it every day becomes a normality, but when I gained some insight as to how it affects retail, manufacturing, healthcare and many others, I really developed an appreciation for all the processes involved. 

What do you see as the main benefits of participating in an apprenticeship?  

Definitely the balance. As someone who struggled with motivation at school in later years, I knew I couldn’t go into full-time study, and needed to get into the working world. An apprenticeship is the perfect blend of continuing your learning and kickstarting your career. I particularly noticed as a young person that it helped me make a lot of lifestyle choices that I am very happy with.   

What are the biggest struggles of participating in an apprenticeship?  

Sometimes the pace at which you learn and take on new information and content is surprising. It can be difficult at times to keep up with your own development. Trying to continuously put yourself forward for more responsibilities in the early stages can be scary, but in a supportive work environment it is a really good way to learn. A year in, I can look back and be astonished at how far I’ve come. 

What aspects do you enjoy the most?  

I enjoy the work style at present – working from home, combined with travelling to multiple offices, is enjoyable. Also, the immediate feeling of responsibility and pride you get from an apprenticeship is very enjoyable. You immediately feel like part of something, even though you may not have the experience and qualifications yet of those around you. 

Following completion of your apprenticeship, how would you like to see your career progress?  

I have enjoyed my first year in Bid and Proposal and am very intent on growing my role within the team. I feel very happy at the company I am with, and I am excited to grow my career within my role, after which I would be interested in management within the team, potentially looking to progress into Chartered Manager Degree Level 6. 

*www.nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk

Published On: 09/02/2023 16:00:30

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