In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), we kick off #EmployerTuesday by shining a spotlight on Bromptons, last year's proud winner of the Employer of the Year award during NAW23. To go deeper into the impact of apprenticeships on both the employer and the apprentices, we sent our apprentice mentor, Amy, to Bromptons based in London. Amy had the opportunity to interview Ionela, one of the apprentices who successfully completed their Quality Practitioner Level 4 apprenticeship.

Using Apprenticeship Skills in the Workplace

Ionela shared insights into how she has applied the skills acquired during her apprenticeship in her daily work at Bromptons. Her approach to handling tasks has evolved, emphasising a more systematic breakdown of problems and the meticulous logging of updates and information. Neil, Ionela's manager, commended the positive shift he observed, stating that the quality of problem-solving has noticeably improved.

Evolution of Ionela's Role Post-Apprenticeship

While Ionela remains in the same role, she feels a significant increase in responsibilities. She now actively engages in reviews with her team members, a task she previously lacked confidence in. The knowledge gained from the apprenticeship has empowered Ionela to navigate these responsibilities with confidence.

Sharing Knowledge within the Team

When approached by colleagues from subsequent cohorts about her apprenticeship experience, Ionela has been an advocate for the programme. She provides guidance on enrolling in the course and encourages other team members to participate. Her willingness to share knowledge contributes to fostering a culture of continuous learning within the organisation.

Future Aspirations: Another Apprenticeship on the Horizon

Asked about the possibility of pursuing another apprenticeship, Ionela revealed that she is currently enrolled in a Leadership and Management Apprenticeship Level 3 with Fuel Learning. Her commitment to furthering her education underscores the positive impact of apprenticeships on professional development.

Manager Neil's Endorsement

Neil, Ionela's manager, expressed unequivocal support for the apprenticeship programme. He stated, "I would definitely recommend this course to other employees at Brompton. This course pushes knowledge onto the learner in a positive way, creating a lasting impact on their professional growth."

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Bromptons stands as a shining example of an employer dedicated to fostering skills development and providing a pathway for employees like Ionela to thrive in their careers. The success stories from Bromptons highlight the transformative power of apprenticeships in shaping a brighter future for both individuals and businesses alike.