A spotlight on: Joe Fitzpatrick talks about his career and apprenticeship, juggling work, study and life
At Project Centre, we take pride in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for career advancement. One such success story is that of Joe Fitzpatrick, our dedicated Business Support Coordinator, who recently completed his Level 4 Apprenticeship in Regulatory Compliance with a distinction.
Tell us about your career journey and what motivated you to start an apprenticeship.
I joined Project Centre with a keen interest in regulatory compliance and a desire to support our operations effectively. My role as a Business Support Coordinator involves ensuring that all business activities adhere to relevant regulations, supporting various departments with compliance issues and helping to streamline our internal processes for maximum efficiency.
When I started my apprenticeship, I wanted to develop my skills and get a better understanding of all things regulations and compliance, especially the ones regarding health and safety in the workplace.
What was the most challenging part of undertaking an apprenticeship whilst working in a busy office environment?
Pursuing an apprenticeship while working full-time was no small feat. I had to manage my responsibilities at Project Centre while dedicating significant time to my studies. In the meantime, I was also mentoring two other apprentices. I tried to be there for them as much as possible with regular check-in meetings and operational support.
It’s great that you were supporting other apprentices whilst juggling work and studies. What type of support did you get in return?
Overall, the supportive environment at Project Centre was a crucial part of my success. I received a lot of guidance from senior staff, including regular check-ins with my mentor, who provided invaluable advice and feedback. The collaborative culture here meant I could always turn to colleagues for assistance, ensuring I never felt overwhelmed.
Specifically, I’d like to thank my line manager at Project Centre and my mentor at Marston Holdings. They were both brilliant, and the level of support they provided was just incredible.
Tell us about some key learnings and new skills you’ve developed.
Through the apprenticeship, I gained a comprehensive understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks. I got a better understanding of the importance of maintaining accurate records, the nuances of data protection laws and the critical role of internal audits in ensuring compliance. My coursework covered various aspects of business law, ethical practices, and risk management, all of which are crucial for my role, not just at Project Centre, but also within the wider Marston Group.
What did passing the apprenticeship (and with a distinction) mean to you and what are your goals for the future?
It really meant the world. I’ve been stressing about this for so long, I was beating myself up thinking I was going to mess it up. When I got the call from the apprenticeship provider confirming the distinction I felt so relieved and happy. It was lovely to share the news with my manager and mentor, who were there for me throughout the whole journey.
In terms of goals for the future, I will shortly start working towards becoming a qualified compliance inspector.
Any advice for aspiring apprentices?
Just that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Trust your colleagues and your mentors, as they’re there to support you.
The combination of work experience and academic learning is incredibly valuable, so don’t let the fear of not making it overcome you. The skills you gain from an apprenticeship can really set you up for a successful career.
Some words from his teammates
“During his apprenticeship, Joe has applied his new skills to ensure Project Centre are compliant in all areas of the business. He has improved our audit processes, enhanced our health and safety risk procedures, and developed training sessions for staff to ensure everyone is aware of their compliance responsibilities. His efforts have significantly reduced the risk of non-compliance. I am really proud of what Joe has achieved and fully deserves to reach this milestone with a distinction”
Business and Commercial Manager, Michelle Loosley
“Joe has done amazingly well in completing his apprenticeship ahead of the expected date, with distinction as well. He is a real asset to Project Centre, and I know he is not stopping here. His commitment to the job goes step-by-step with his commitment to his own personal development and other internal initiatives. He is always ready to mentor and help teammates and he’s an active member of our Mental Health First Aiders, supporting colleagues who have reached out for help and guidance. Many of his peers have celebrated him with recognitions such as nominations for employee of the month or “best support team member” at our staff awards”
Business and Commercial Director, Paul Adams
We were excited to share this news. Joe is a sung and unsung hero at Project Centre, everyone knows his name and relies on him as a trustworthy colleague. This achievement reflects his hard work and his commitment to further enhancing the operational side of our business.
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