This National Apprenticeship Week, we talk to members of our HSEQ team, who are all embracing apprenticeship schemes, to discuss their experiences so far.
Martin Bennett and David Haines, HSEQ Regional Partners for the North and South respectively, as well as Ben Chandler and Sarah Purser, HSEQ Coordinators, are studying towards their Safety, Health and Environment Technician (incl NEBOSH General Certificate) Level 3 apprenticeships. Meanwhile, Gail Batty, our HSEQ & Facilities Coordinator, is completing her Facilities Specialist Operations Manager Level 5.
All are enjoying getting stuck into their learning, and particularly the opportunity to apply their coursework to their day-to-day jobs.
Martin explains: “The course is so relevant to my everyday work. I often get asked questions in branch that I have recently covered in my apprenticeship, and vice-versa. The course has also provided deeper understanding about why we do things and the reasons behind best practice. It’s been really helpful to mix the practical elements with the theory.”
Gail adds: “My apprenticeship also finds a good balance between theory and practical learning. The course is tailored towards facilities management, which is the area I want to pursue, but it also covers different methods and theories of people management such as how people learn and how to motivate. This has been really eye opening.”
The conversation turns to the learning opportunities apprenticeships provide at different stages of people’s careers. Ben comments: “I was initially sceptical about starting an apprenticeship as I had always seen it as a course for school leavers rather than graduates. However, my apprenticeship has really motivated me to focus on my development and progress my role, allowing me to be promoted from HSEQ Administrator to HSEQ Coordinator last year.”
David adds: “For me it has been really useful to pick up different skills, whether that be practical or academic. Our apprenticeship includes the internationally respected NEBOSH qualification, which requires us to pass a written exam as well as a case study and presentation on how to improve an aspect of health and safety in the workplace. In addition to obtaining a worldwide qualification, I’ve gained experience working in ways which I didn’t anticipate midway through my career.”
Sarah is newly enrolled on her Safety, Health and Environment Technician (incl NEBOSH General Certificate) Level 3, while Martin, David and Ben are entering the second and final year of the qualification. When asked what advice he would give Sarah, Ben said: “My advice would be to make use of all the resources you have available. It can be tempting to try and do everything on your own, but there is so much to be gained by sharing your learning and bouncing ideas off colleagues.
“Encon is really good about allowing us to set aside time to study and complete our assignments, and there is so much knowledge in the team that can aid our development. The apprenticeship is a great chance to take our work to the next level and I’m thankful to Encon for the opportunity.”
Employee development is always high on our agenda. We recently signed up to the BMF Apprenticeship Pledge and achieved Bronze accreditation by the 5% Club, demonstrating our commitment to ‘earn and learn’ opportunities.
Find out more about working with us at https://www.encon.co.uk/working-at-encon.
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