Work Skills: making apprenticeships work

case studies

• Jone Da Cruz - Apprentice site manager at Chobham Manor

  Jone Da Cruz is now starting his final year of a BSc in Construction Management at South Bank University as part of his  site manager apprenticeship with Taylor Wimpey at the Chobham Manor residential development next to Lee Valley VeloPark on the Park.

  “There’s a career in construction for everyone. Every day is different. There’s always something new to learn. I’d advise anyone to give it a try – you won’t regret it. An apprenticeship here in the Park means continuous work experience and a chance to study debt-free. There are many opportunities for extra training and qualifications.

  "I’m nearly at the end of my apprenticeship and I’m excited to get to the next level. I want to progress and experience every stage of the building process. My plan is to become a competent project manager, running my own projects and supporting my team to achieve our goals. I want to be at the heart of every project I’m involved in.”

  

• Jack Connelly - Horticulture Apprentice on the Park with idVerde

  "Before joining idverde I finished my A Levels and trained with the Metropolitan Police as a Special Constable, a part-time role I actively volunteered my time to. I didn’t feel as though university was for me, so I pursued the possibility of an apprenticeship, learning whilst on the job.
  
  "I joined idverde in March this year and am completing a two year apprenticeship. I work in the north of the Park, where as part of a team, we maintain lawns, display beds, a large display bank and the wetlands.
  
  "From  my  colleagues  and  the  college, I have  learned  a great  deal  to do  with  Horticulture and general green space maintenance. Before this I had no prior interest in gardening, but I have always felt strongly for green space conservation. This apprenticeship has given me a great sense of pride in the work I do alongside some brilliant gardeners.”
  
  

• Kiera Murray-Johnson - Digital apprentice at BT Sport

  “I started my two-year apprenticeship with BT Sport at the end of 2015 along with five others. BT Sport was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to. I’ve wanted to work in TV ever since I was little.
  
  "My apprenticeship is in the traffic department working on the incoming feeds. It’s quite technical. Day-to-day we go through all the schedules to make sure we’ve got all the programmes we need. In the first year, we went to college once a fortnight and studied for a Level 3 in Creative and Digital Media.
  
  "BT Sport really want us to get the best out of it and gain as many skills as possible. I’ve been on a couple of shoots and worked as a production assistant. We had a day in the studio where we produced a whole show presented by Clare Balding and did all the roles like cameraman, director and the floor manager.
  
  "I tell my friends who aren’t sure what they want to do to get an apprenticeship. It’s the best of both worlds – you get a qualification and you get to earn money. I’ve now been offered a job here as a production secretary. My goal is to become a production manager.
  
  "My advice to you - don’t let anyone stop you doing what you want to do."