National Apprenticeship Week 2022 – which runs from 7-13 February – is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships.
The week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
The theme this year is ‘build the future’; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.
Some of our current apprentices have explained why they are doing an apprenticeship and how it is benefiting them in their role within the Service. More about apprenticeships generally can be found at www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
Eleanor – Training Centre Co-ordinator
“I am completing a level four Apprenticeship in Associate Project Management, which involves me going to college one day a month whilst also working full-time. The course is giving me lots of insight into project management, including risk management, communications, equality & diversity and a drive for results. The apprenticeship has been a great way to gain extra knowledge and a recognised qualification while I work. I enjoy putting into practice the things I am learning through the course of my work.
“University wasn’t for me, so I left school following my A Levels. I wanted to incorporate learning into my role and my apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to do just that. I have a really helpful and supportive line manager and team, which is great. I have also really enjoyed getting to know my peers on the course, they come from a variety of different organisations and backgrounds. We all help each other in sharing ideas, working through the course, and producing our portfolios.
“I have found the apprenticeship a great way to become more creative and get ideas flowing, it’s been great to create something of my own and something to be proud of.”
Jo – Accounts Assistant
“I am completing a level three Apprenticeship in Finance; this involves me going to college one day a week whilst also working four days a week. I’m on the course with a variety of different people from different backgrounds, which makes it even more interesting. Completing the apprenticeship has already given me greater confidence in the workplace and when working with my colleagues. I am able to bring what I am studying into work and use real life examples to prove or challenge the things I am learning. I’ve had great support from my team and my manager, this has enabled me to not only complete my work but also make sure I have time for my portfolio and exam revision.
“I left school at 16 and went straight into the workplace, so getting back into studying has been a challenge but one I have really enjoyed. It’s great for my children to be able to see me studying while working, and I’m really proud of myself for taking this path. I look forward to exams, which I know sounds odd, but when you put the work in and see the reward of a good result, it makes me feel really positive. I’m grateful to DWFRS for giving me this opportunity.”
Rob – Firefighter, Stratton White Watch
“I am a firefighter at Stratton fire station and, as a new recruit to the Service, I am undertaking a level three Operational Firefighter apprenticeship.
“I am enjoying undertaking the apprenticeship as part of my role. It’s really helpful that the Service has aligned its development programme with the apprenticeship, which allows me to train and collect evidence for both. I work with my Watch Manager and my team to plan training that fits with the needs of my apprenticeship modules and the wider competencies of the team.
“I left school at 16 for employment but went back to studying in my 20s, earning a degree from Exeter University. Having a little bit more life experience has kept me highly motivated and driven towards achieving my qualification. I was really pleased to get through the challenging recruitment process and join DWFRS. The support I’ve received from my immediate team and the Development & Apprenticeship team has helped me get to where I am, and I look forward to completing my last assessment soon.”
Shannon – Emergency Call Handler
“I am working towards a level 3 qualification in Emergency Call Handling. I’ve recently completed one of my assessments and I’m really enjoying the course so far. In the nicest way possible, it doesn’t feel like I’m doing an apprenticeship because everything I am learning are skills I need for my role. The ‘on the job’ learning really suits me and I get lots of support from my watch and the Apprenticeship team.
“I thought undertaking an apprenticeship could be like going back to school, but it’s not like that at all. I complete question and answer sessions with my watch, undergo mobilising exercises, work with my trainer, and journal my progress. I had a review with my assessor just a few days ago and they’re really pleased with my progress too. We created some achievement goals to work towards, and one of those is to complete my next assessment within three months.
“I left school at 18 and always knew I wanted to work with the public. After some time spent in customer service roles, I decided I wanted to look for an opportunity to help people and make a difference. Once I saw the role in Fire Control, I knew it was for me. The apprenticeship qualification and skills are an added bonus. I’m very lucky to have a great team around me that help and support my learning journey, everything has fallen into place for me and I’m very grateful!”
Peter – Firefighter, Poole Blue Watch
“I am working towards a level three Operational Firefighter qualification through the Apprenticeship scheme. It’s been a while since I was in education, but it is great to get back to formal learning. My watch are really helpful and support me by organising lectures and training sessions. This support is invaluable and means I can be effective at recording my learning and showcasing my skills when it comes to assessment. The firefighter development programme is aligned to the apprenticeship, which means I can work through both at the same time.
“I enjoy completing assignments and proving my knowledge, understanding and skills to others. I am looking at how this good skill basis can help my future development too. Poole is a Tech Rescue station so I hope, once I have completed my apprenticeship, I can think about qualifying as a tech rescue operator or looking at blue light driving.
“If you had asked me three years ago, I would not have thought what I am doing today possible. I feel really lucky to be enjoying such a varied job, learning so much and earning a qualification along the way. Being a firefighter is so varied and no day is ever the same.”