With this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme being ‘Skills for Life’, it was only fitting that we shine a spotlight on some of our colleagues who started their careers with us as an apprentice to see where they are now. We caught up with Tony Craig (who’s now entering his 39th year with us!), Head of IT, to find out more about his journey.
Take us back to the beginning of your Livv career. When did you start with us as an apprentice and what was your role?
I joined the business way back in September 1984, when we were known as Knowsley Council. I started as an apprentice joiner working at Link Road Depot in Huyton. The role was similar to what our maintenance operatives do today, so keeping our properties in a good state of repair for our customers.
Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?
I thought it’d be great to gain some work experience whilst obtaining qualifications to put me on a good career path for my future. How right was I?!
How did you progress from your apprentice role?
After I completed my apprenticeship, I was offered a full-time job as a joiner working with the maintenance teams. I’d fit new windows, hang doors and fit new kitchens etc. all of which have served me well in maintaining my own home and my families over the years (if my wife can get me to work on our house!).
After about 10 years I was lucky to get a chance to be seconded into the then Surveyors Team which made me think “do I want to be on the tools forever?”. The answer was no, and I applied for a surveyor vacancy a few months later. I then spent a further 12 years inspecting our properties and attending court on disrepair cases as an expert witness.
And how did you end up in IT?
During all my time as a surveyor I was heavily involved in testing the IT repairs system and from there I developed a keen interest in IT (although I’d been playing computer games since the ZX81 days!).
Then when the time came to implement our current Orchard system, I was seconded onto the Implementation Team for three years to put the new systems in. Towards the end of this, a vacancy for the Head of IT arose and I quickly jumped at the chance. And here I am today!
This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme is ‘Skills for Life’. How did the skills you gained set you up for your career?
With my career taking several turns over the years, I’ve picked up valuable skills such as time management and prioritising and I also know how important hard work, commitment and dedication is. Coming into work so young can be daunting but working with great people really builds your confidence and helps you to develop good people skills too.
What advice would you give to a young person thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
Do it, it’s a great way to develop and grow. It gives you a stepping stone in your career and allows you to gain valuable experience and qualifications. Being an apprentice, you’ll get the support and guidance from experienced people, willing to share their knowledge.
It’s possible you could be offered a permanent job like I did, if circumstances allow but if not, you’ll have gained great experience and a good grounding to go on to seek new employment.
What’s the best thing about working at Livv?
My team, I can’t do my job without my team. They’re dedicated, hardworking, committed and best of all, we’re competitive! A lot of my team have grown up around me, so they’re like family to me. Three of them have come through our apprenticeship programme themselves, which I’m really proud of.