This week Story Contracting are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week.
Employing over 700 staff across seven centres in England and Scotland, one of Story Contracting’s main priorities is to ensure we attract and develop the next generation to ensure we had a strong talent pipeline for the future and to address the national skills gap.
Since the company first launched its graduate, trainee and apprenticeship scheme in 2017, it has trained over 30 apprentices.
Our apprentices are enrolled on an NVQ Level 2(or above) Apprenticeship Framework relevant to their job role. We work with local training partners to deliver bespoke and high-quality qualifications to equip them for the world of work. Story supplements this with additional technical training, delivered in-house.
We asked our Early Careers Coordinator, David Robinson, to give his best tips for people looking to start an apprenticeship:
- Choose the right apprenticeship – It seems obvious, but you need to know that you have chosen the right apprenticeship from the start. Find out about the work you will be carrying out, whether it interests you and if you think you will enjoy the job. Do your research and make sure this is the apprenticeship for you.
- Ask plenty of questions – whether it’s the work you are doing on the job or a task you are doing at college – never be afraid to ask questions. You are at the start of your career, and now is the time to ask and learn.
- Don’t be intimidated by the skill level of your colleagues – You will be learning from people who have worked in the industry for many years. Learn from them, listen to how they interact with clients and how they work with each other and don’t be intimidated by their knowledge and experience. You are just starting out, and you aren’t expected to know everything.
- Enthusiasm goes a long way when you are first starting – you need to understand all areas of the role, including those that don’t interest you as much as others! Being enthusiastic and eager to learn will get you noticed for the right reasons.
- Become part of the team – Interact with the other apprentices and the managers. Learn peoples names and talk to them regularly. Feeling like part of the team is really important – and these little things can help build those relationships.
- Plan your time – Remember that along with your new work duties you will be learning your new skills at college too. Plan your time to make sure you stay on track with college work, as both elements are equally important to your development.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship with #TeamStory, click here to join our talent bank.
