To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, our Apprenticeship Manager Sue Poulton shares her insight into apprenticeships and their importance in the workplace.
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What led you into managing apprenticeships with Marston?
I have a wealth of knowledge within Apprenticeships, having worked for independent training providers and FE. I have managed teams of trainer assessors along with Account Manager for National Employers. Moving over to Marston Holdings was a natural progression for me to utilise my skills and knowledge to support the organisation to widen the apprenticeship offer. Apprenticeships can bring new innovative talent to Marston Holdings enabling us to grow our own talent pipeline. Apprenticeships can also develop existing teams, bridging skills gaps providing the building blocks of growth for the future.
What sort of people join your programme?
School leavers, College leavers, individuals changing careers, existing employees wanting to upskill to further their career. Apprenticeships are open to all ages.
Which areas in the business do you offer apprenticeships in?
Apprenticeships are open to all in England subject to eligibility and job role. Devolved Nations have differing criteria.
How many places for apprenticeships does Marston Holdings offer and what are the requirements to gain a place?
Currently we have 7 finance , 6 customer service and an assistant marketing apprentice role. Individuals would need to apply via our website and hold GCSE Maths and English. Applicants would be screened by ourselves and asked to take an initial assessment set up via our training partners, then if successful would be passed onto the hiring manager for interview.
What are your thoughts on apprenticeships as a gateway career method?
Apprenticeships allow individuals from all backgrounds to learn, earn and work developing skills to support their future development and bring new innovative talent to the organisation . For example, young people may only see that college and University is the route to a successful career, however now with many more apprenticeships an individual can start their career from a level 2 up to Degree.
What would a typical week look like working as an apprentice within Marston Holdings?
This is a difficult one as with many different apprenticeships, they would all be different especially if they are a new apprentice or if an existing member of the team.
An apprenticeship is an earn, work and learn training programme. Where the individual would have a work mentor, have tutorials ( from an external provider, at least once per month) have a trainer assessor 1-2-1 every 6 weeks, have a tripart progress review with mentor/manager and trainer assessor. For example, an 18 month learning journey would have regular interventions as above then at 15 months an apprentice would have a tripart gateway meeting for all to decide if the apprentice is competent to go through to the end point assessment. Once gateway is completed an end point assessment organisation would assess their competency, which would be where the apprentice would showcase their learning journey, to award a pass merit or distinction
How long does it usually take to complete an apprenticeship at Marston Holdings?
An Apprenticeship must be a minimum of 366 days up to 5-6 years dependent on level.
For more information on apprenticeships within Marston Holdings please contact: Apprenticeships@marstonholdings.co.uk
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