This year’s National Apprenticeship Week ran from 3rd to 7th February 2020. The theme was ‘Look Beyond’, celebrating the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England today.
To celebrate this annual initiative and to highlight the positive impact that our apprentices have within Brothers of Charity Services, we have spoken to a number of our current apprentices about the tasks that they carry out on a daily basis as well as what they enjoy the most about their apprenticeship. We’ve had a fantastic response from our hardworking apprentices and proud to share the below case studies.
‘Katie Says ‘During my typical day at Brothers of Charity Services I complete maintenance and repair orders raised by the different properties, delegating them to either our own staff or the necessary contractor. I assist with the follow up of housing associations for compliance certificates, as well as ensuring all properties obtain these certificates too. I also create and provide the Finance department with a purchase order relating to a specific invoice they have requested.
The thing I most enjoy about my apprenticeship at Brothers of Charity Services is my working relationships with colleagues as it makes me feel valued and a respected member of the team. This is an important factor to me as it motivates me to work harder and progress further within my job role.’
Jamie says, “Every day is different at the Brothers of Charity Services. I quantify costs and the amount of materials needed for the Facilities team. If a contractor or supplier is required, I will liaise with them and will also help organise any work that needs to be completed. I also carry out Fire Alarm tests within the bungalows at Thingwall Hall and at Lisieux Hall.
I enjoy getting a hands on experience while learning, helping me improve my skills/knowledge for when I complete my university course. I enjoy tackling any issues that may arise that will help me develop my skills for the future. I also enjoy coming to work, meeting and working with team members as well as with external businesses.”
Reanna says, “My typical day at the Brothers of Charity Services includes updating clients’ review packs, completing day to day administration duties and covering reception at Thingwall Hall.
What I’ve enjoyed the most since beginning my apprenticeship is meeting and getting to know the people we support and how my role in the Care Admin team contributes to their wellbeing. I also enjoy getting to know my fellow colleagues!”
Past Apprentices who have become full time members of staff at BOCS
Once completing an apprenticeship with us, the journey doesn’t stop there and we have had many success stories with apprentices that have gone on to become full time members of staff. Below are just a few of the many employees who have joined us through our apprenticeship programme.
Alice says, “During my typical day at Brothers of Charity Services I assist with any marketing communication tasks that need to be completed such as creating newsletters, updating the website and intranet with articles, creating flyers for BOCS’ events in order to promote them across our services. I also help to manage the social media accounts for the Brothers of Charity Services and for our social enterprises in Lancashire.
During my apprenticeship, I enjoyed gaining new skills and experience in a working environment which I had never had before. The people who work for the Brothers of Charity Services were so welcoming and helpful; it really put me at ease. After finishing my apprenticeship, I have been fortunate to have worked in several different departments such as finance, payroll and marketing were I have finally found something I really enjoy and would like to pursue in the future.”
Jonathan says, “Since completing my apprenticeship, I have been working in the Learning and Development department for Lancashire Services. In general I tend to oversee the training compliance for Lancashire as well as provide prompt reports on training data for Team Leaders and Senior Managers. I currently deliver the Dementia Awareness course in Lancashire and have been delivering the Training Induction to new starters since I started over three years ago. I hope to continue my involvement by assisting with the delivery of Autism Awareness in the near future.
I am currently undertaking a further qualification, Level 3 CIPD in Learning and Development, which is intended to continue my development and help me continue to branch out into my role.
From when I began my apprenticeship, my opinion has been valued and I’ve been able to continue to branch out in to areas that I’m interested in.”
Michael says, “Everyday is different. When I was an apprentice at the Brothers of Charity Services, I started out in Recruitment. I enjoyed learning new things everyday and working with different managers to see how they managed people. Now, 5 years on, I am a HR Officer at Brothers of Charity Services and everyday is still different. I’m now involved in managing absences, writing letters, advising and dealing with general enquiries.”
Ryan Says ‘My typical day within the Brothers of Charity Services involves tasks such as assisting with day to day Health and Safety queries and issues. This could be within the onsite Nursing Homes or at one of our Supported Living /Social Enterprise tenancies across Lancashire.
I am often out of the office auditing health and safety paperwork kept within BOCS properties, which is reported to senior managers to ensure that we remain compliant with the law. This ultimately keeps our service users, staff and any visitors safe.
I also assist managers with various general, pregnancy and fire risk assessments as well as other important documents so that they comply with company policies and standards.
During my time as an apprentice at Brothers of Charity Services I enjoyed gaining skills and knowledge within the Health and Safety field; a field in which was new to me upon joining BOCS at 17 years of age. These skills helped me to gain confidence in speaking to new employees within the company and to people outside of work.
The organisation was keen to invest in my future by putting me through training courses and qualifications which made me feel motivated to succeed and repay my manager’s confidence in me. This was enhanced by fact that I could see a permanent appointment and career progression at the end of my apprenticeship.’