National Apprenticeship Week 2020 - the importance of support for success

National Apprenticeship Week 2020 is a great chance for us to shine a light on just how amazing our apprentices are doing. It’s also the perfect opportunity for us to recognise the team around our apprentices who selflessly offer their support, guidance and time to helping others achieve their goals. So, today, we’re putting our supportive managers under the spotlight.

Sodexo currently has more than 700 people completing apprentices throughout the UK and Ireland. That means that we also have hundreds of managers dedicating their time and energy to supporting our apprentices to be successful in their roles. Twenty-six of those apprentices sit within our Schools & Universities segment, with eight at this very moment based at St John University, which is where we got speaking to manager Angela, and apprentice Kayla. 

Kayla Payne is currently undertaking her Level 7 Accountancy/Taxation Professional apprenticeship at St John University where she works as a Finance Administrator. She describes her apprenticeship experience as “a great opportunity for development.”

 “I’ve become much better at time management,” says Kayla.

I’ve developed a better understanding of the work I do at site and how it forms part of the bigger Sodexo picture.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Kayla has been supported by her manager, Angela Peacock, who also has several other team members undertaking apprenticeships, including herself. 

“My line manager has been very supportive. I’m given the time needed to study and take examinations – if I’m struggling, she’s flexible and allows me extra study time,” explains Kayla. 

But that’s not all that Angela does to help encourage her apprentices. “We give shout outs and praises in our team huddles,” says Angela. “I always try and message them before and after a critical point such as exams, and surprise them with a treat once completed.”

Being both an apprentice and a line manager requires learning and development on their part too, as Angela has found out: “I’ve become better at time management and understanding the importance of completing work on time, which encourages me to make sure that the apprentices I have feel supported.”

It’s clear that as a manager, you can’t help but become a big part of your team’s journey throughout their apprenticeships. In fact, Angela says her proudest achievement is being able to plan business so that she can give people an opportunity to develop and strive in their career path. Adding to that, Angela says, “I’m extremely proud off all my staff completing an apprenticeship and will continue to encourage drive and support any individual wanting to better themselves.”

So what would Angela and Kayla say to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

Angela: It’s really never too late to want more. I say go for it; you’ve nothing to lose and so much to gain.

Kayla: Don’t think you’re over-qualified - there are a wide range of apprenticeships available. Even with my current qualifications, I have been able to start an apprenticeship and further my career.

Take a look beyond the blog and discover more about Kayla in the video below:

Interested in finding out how an apprenticeship with Sodexo could help you develop your career, no matter what level you’re at? Simply click here and we’ll let you know all about it.

#NAW2020 #LookBeyond #SodexoApprentices #FireItUp