Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with our Members

The Chamber of Commerce was delighted to support National Apprenticeship Week between 6th & 12th February by sharing success stories from its members.

Below we hear from these members on how they, and the apprentices themselves, have benefitted from the scheme.

Brownlow Furniture

Brownlow Furniture Managing Director, Andrew Barton:

“We are immensely proud of our apprentice strategy with 40% of all our employees present or past apprentices. Presently we have three apprentices all training to be Cabinet Makers. Our most senior apprentice, Sophie was recently awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by the Chamber of Commerce for her dedication, determination and drive to succeed.

“Any business should be looking at a future strategy in terms of its customers, products and people. We made the decision over 10 years ago to proactively recruit, coach, mentor and develop apprentices to be our next generation skilled workforce.”

Countess of Chester Hospital

Molly Whelan, Vocational Development Manager at the Countess of Chester Hospital:

“Apprenticeships are a great way for us to nurture and grow our own workforce with embedded Trust values and the skills to deliver high-quality care. Apprenticeships help us to attract talent with new skills and fresh ideas and helps us tackle potential skills gaps that we have in the workforce whilst helping to widen access and participation into the workforce and professional roles”

Emily Lewis- Level 2 Healthcare Support Services:

“I completed my clinical assistant apprenticeship in Audiology in 2020 and soon after won the ‘Apprentice of the year award 2021’. After winning the award it opened so many doors for me to further my clinical skills and I was lucky enough to be offered a band 2 position doing what I love full time.

“My interest in Audiology grew, and I was able to apply successfully for a band 3 position as an Assistant Audiologist. The help and guidance I received from the Audiology Staff was amazing, and my manager Jane Beavan was always there to support me.

“I would encourage anyone to apply for an apprenticeship, it opens doors you didn’t know could be opened.”

The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester

A University of Chester student is celebrating after accepting an apprenticeship with The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester and its sister company, The HR Dept Shropshire.

Níamh Kelly – Director of The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester:

“We’re thrilled that Harriet has accepted an offer to join us as Apprentice HR Consultant as we complete our third year supporting Wrexham and Chester businesses.

“We’re delighted to be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2023 with this promising appointment. We know many of our clients are facing difficult challenges; but it’s important businesses plan for the future. Apprentices can be key to a business’s success and we can certainly testify to that as Harriet is the second Apprentice HR Consultant to join us! She will be mentored by Aleesha Skett, who qualified as a HR Consultant last Summer following a successful Apprenticeship with us.”

Harriet said, “I am so very grateful for this incredible opportunity and cannot wait to start in the summer!”

Platts Agriculture

Nerys Price-Jones, People and Engagement Director:

“Supporting apprenticeships throughout Platts is a key initiative for the company as we continue to grow. Apprenticeships Programs in various traditional skillsets yet innovative businesses are key to ensuring we support the next generation of our up-andcoming workforce. By being able to develop talented and skilled members of staff, they in turn are motivated by what we do and want to continue with us once they have gained their relevant qualifications.”

Less Common Metals

Sam Lee, their first apprentice, and now an official LCM team member:

Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship in Engineering?

“Absolutely. I personally think it’s the best way to learn and develop new skills. You can learn in the classroom and then apply what you’ve learned straight away in the real world. You also have the freedom to work straight away, earn money and get a job lined up for the end of the apprenticeship. For me, every day is different as there are several forms of engineering, but you could also use the opportunity to learn a new trade.”

How has LCM supported you through the apprenticeship?

“I have learned so much from my colleagues. It helps to work with such a great bunch of people as I know it’s ok to ask for advice and guidance if I’m not sure what’s required for the job. LCM has helped me to advance my skills and I have completed some training courses to add to my skill set. These include the IOSH Managing Safely course, Manual Handling Awareness, Working at Height, and FLT Counterbalance Awareness course.”

Find out more about apprenticeships on the below links:

England: https://bit.ly/3Euj57v

Wales: https://bit.ly/3lZLhJi