National Apprenticeship Week – Apprentice Wednesday
Throughout 2024, 35 apprentices completed their learning with GEM Partnership across a range of different subjects and industries.
Being a part of a learners journey, contributing and witnessing their professional development and career progression is what drives our training team to strive to deliver the highest quality of training and support for each individual.
It’s been great to catch up with some of our learners for this #NAW2025 and get their opinion on all things apprenticeships…
Freya Willis – Level 2 Recruitment Resourcer
I chose to undertake an apprenticeship as a Recruitment Resourcer because I’m eager to develop my skills in a practical, hands-on environment. Recruitment offers the chance to work closely with both candidates and businesses, helping people find the right roles while supporting companies in building strong teams. Through the apprenticeship, I wanted to gain real-world experience and learn from people with a huge amount of experience in the field, allowing me to grow in a fast-paced industry.
Undertaking the programme while on the job has aided in my development. The combination of practical experience and theoretical learning has allowed me to apply new skills immediately, reinforcing my understanding and helping me improve more quickly. Being able to learn from experienced colleagues while actively contributing to recruitment processes has given me valuable insights and boosted my confidence in the role and generally.
My long-term goal was to pursue a career down the HR route, and I’m pleased to say I’ve already achieved that and will now go on to another apprenticeship in HR. The apprenticeship programme has played a significant role in helping me reach this milestone by providing me with the practical skills and knowledge needed for HR. It has given me a solid understanding of recruitment processes, which has directly supported my transition into HR. The programme’s hands-on approach and the mentorship I’ve received have been essential in helping me achieve my goal and prepare for future growth within HR.
My advice to someone considering or about to start an apprenticeship would be to fully embrace the opportunity to learn on the job. From my positive experience, I’ve found that apprenticeships offer the perfect balance of practical experience and formal learning. Be proactive, ask questions, and take the time to build relationships with those around you. It’s a great way to gain hands-on knowledge and develop skills in a real-world setting. Most importantly, stay open-minded and take full advantage of the support and guidance available.
Claudia Herring – Level 3 Team Leader
This apprenticeship was a crucial step toward my goal of becoming a Team Coordinator in Husqvarna Newton Aycliffe. Secondly the apprenticeship allowed me to develop the relevant skills that were crucial for my career goals.
Yes also having the ability to apply what I learned directly to my job has helped reinforce my knowledge and made it more relevant and receiving feedback while working has allowed me to make immediate improvements and adjust my approach, leading to faster development.
My long term goal was to become a permanent staff member and have an official team coordinator title. Yes this has contributed as now I have an official team coord title as of 6/2/25
Stay patient and persistent as it can sometimes feel challenging, especially at first. Secondly Manage your time as best you can learning, and potentially other commitments can be tricky. Learn how to manage your time effectively so you can stay on top of both your responsibilities and your learning.
Kayleigh Wilkinson – Level 3 Business Administrator
I have always wanted to grow my skills but wasnt always able to find the time due to work and childcare, having the opportunity to do this whilst working wad a good plan.
Yes it has allowed me to look into the depths and behind the scenes working of a business and armed me with knowledge i wouldn’t have thought to seek out.
To help to gain enough skills that I can potentially grow within the business or if I ended up moving on it has allowed me to learn new skills.
Go for it you will be surprised what you can learn, even if you think you are ‘too old’ to learn new skills remember you only have to make the first step to reach the top of the staircase.
Rodney Gough – Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative
The ability to be able to learn a lot more than just being an employee and to advance my many skills. It also gave me the stability within the job role and a chance to advance my knowledge on how the company works.
Yes I think it has, if I had just been an operator I would not have had the opportunities to learn the skills that I have within the apprenticeship. I now have a better understanding of why the battery plant runs the way it does especially with COSHH and Health and Safety. I have also had the opportunity to temporarily cover for D4’s whilst on holiday and this would not have been an opportunity for me without this apprenticeship.
Long term goal is to end up in a role of responsibility and to progress my career within the battery plant and in Husqvarna. I do think this has contributed to being able to achieve that as I have been given the opportunities of being a buddy to new starters and covering for D4’s.
I would advise to take as much from it as you can and persistently try and get as much training as you can and ask as many questions as possible to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible….Become a sponge.
Lucy Bousfield – Level 3 Business Administrator
I chose a Business Administrator apprenticeship because I was not 100% confident in what I wanted to do. I loved the opportunities the course provided and how I get hands on experience in various areas before making a decision on what department I want to work in, all whilst gaining a qualification!
I love being able to learn on the job and earn money in the process. As a learner, I am more practical, I have to be able to put my learning into practice to fully get the feel for it, so an apprenticeship was perfect for me.
My long-term goal is to go into HR or site training, as I love working with people. Their program has allowed me to work within these departments as kind of a sample without the full commitment.
My advise would be to take any bit of training or learning opportunity you can, it will all be beneficial in the long run.