The week-long celebration aims to showcase the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies. So what better time to celebrate our very own apprentices? Here, they tell us what it’s like joining Tritility.
Ellen Froud, who recently completed an administration apprenticeship, explains why the process appealed to her. “I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted a stable career where I could learn new skills,” she said. “I had tried the university route, which wasn’t for me because I learn better through ‘doing’. I had also tried bar work, which I enjoyed, but it wasn’t what I wanted for the long term.”
For Kelsie Day, another admin apprentice, it was the prospect of “earning while learning” that appealed to her. “I’ve learnt so much in such a short amount of time,” she told us. “You gain a qualification and new skills.”
Likewise, Eve Quinn, who recently completed her course and secured a permanent job at Tritility, added: “I thought I would be better suited to working than the school environment. It was so beneficial.” She found her work manageable and received “lots of help”, and feels the apprenticeship has given her a head start in her career.
Our apprentices follow a structured course delivered by Sunderland College, with whom we have a strong relationship. They are also given opportunities to put the curriculum into practice with the support of their managers and colleagues. Olly Thompson, our Digital Marketing Apprentice, is passionate about photography and video editing. He has been able to practise what he loves, taking pictures and editing footage for use on our social media channels.
Meanwhile Jack Kilvington, our IT apprentice, is off to a flying start in the department. He recently won ‘Star of the Week’ for getting stuck in straight away.
Now that Ellen has completed her apprenticeship, she’s become a permanent member of the team, and is embarking on the next stage in her career. She said: “Since starting here, I have already progressed into a sales support role. This is a company that provides lots of opportunities for career development. The next step for me, I hope, is to take more of a team leader role, and I know I will have full support from both Tritility and Sunderland College.”
Finance apprentice Emma Robson started with us in October, but is already a key member of the department. “Here I’m treated equally to all other employees, and getting a good insight to all areas of the business. I have a great work-life balance and lovely colleagues.”
To those thinking of taking on an apprenticeship, Olly Thompson said: “It will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. At Tritility, you get really good training and work for a company that is growing fast, both with good future job prospects and many employee benefits.”
According to a 2019 Government report, apprenticeships “have the potential be a powerful vehicle for social mobility”. But the number of candidates entering at Levels 2 and 3, which are more likely to be taken up by those from disadvantaged backgrounds, has decreased by 16% and 38% respectively in the past four years.
We want to buck that trend. Working closely with Sunderland College, we equip our valued apprentices with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, nurturing their talents and providing extra support in areas where they feel less confident.
So we’d like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to them, and to Sunderland College, for their vital contribution to the work we do.