Over the past decade our apprenticeships have helped around 200 young people kickstart their careers. Dionne Carey and Melissa Thompson both joined us as part of our September 2014 intake and now, nearly 10 years on, we caught up with them to find out about their journeys and what advice they’d give to a young person thinking of doing an apprenticeship.
Take us back to the start of your Livv journey. Can you tell us about your apprenticeships?
Dionne: I started my apprenticeship in the Governance Team, as a Customer Feedback Apprentice. I was 18 at the time and had applied for a couple of roles but knew I wanted the one working with complaints as I’ve always enjoyed problem solving.
Melissa: I started at Livv when I was 20… Let’s not talk about how I’m nearly 30! I did my apprenticeship in Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) and have remained a part of the same team ever since. It’s not something I ever thought I’d do but I’m so glad I did.
Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?
Melissa: I went to uni to study primary school teaching but halfway through my degree I decided that it wasn’t for me. I was a bit stuck as to what to do and where to go next, I felt like I’d let my mum and dad down. We came across apprenticeships and I thought it would be perfect as I could earn money whilst learning new skills. I decided to go with SHE because I thought it would be really varied and give me options. I remember feeling excited to try something new.
Dionne: I’m more of a doer and I get bored of just doing written work and exams. I enjoy getting stuck in and I felt like I’d learn a lot more by doing the job which is why an apprenticeship was ideal. It helped me gain more confidence and to pick things up easier.
How did you progress after your apprenticeship?
Dionne: After my apprenticeship, I got a permanent role in the Complaints Team and have been in the job ever since! I’m a Complex Queries & Complaints Officer now and I really enjoy it. Due to the nature of the role, I’m learning something different every day. And of course, the team are great!
Melissa: I was successful in securing the position of SHE Assistant after my apprenticeship year. A few years later I then became a SHE Advisor and Livv supported me to study for the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
I was then able to apply to become a Technical Member of IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) as I’d gained enough experience in the field. For the last 12 months or so I’ve been in the role of SHE Business Partner. I’m really thankful to Michael [Moir] for believing I was the right person for this as sometimes I doubt myself a lot!
This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme is Skills For Life. How did your apprenticeship set you up for your career?
Dionne: Mainly people and communication skills, it helped give me confidence to speak with people on the phone. As I was an apprentice, I didn’t feel bad asking for help and the support from my managers and colleagues was invaluable.
Melissa: When I first started, I learnt a lot about the fundamental aspects of SHE and what a business needs to do to be compliant. I also learnt how to choose the right communication methods and the importance of accurate record keeping which are both really important in any job.
What advice would you give to a young person thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
Melissa: 100% do it, I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone. It can help you decide where you want to go if you’re unsure – or if you’re lucky enough to already know, you can gain experience from a young age. I remember when I first started, I supported other teams who needed an extra pair of hands and it’s a good way of getting to know how the business works and how the teams fit together.
Dionne: Definitely do it! It’s the perfect way to learn and meet new people while making a valuable contribution to a business. It can also help you get your foot in the door if you wanted to then stay and apply for a permanent role.
What’s the best thing about working at Livv/what made you want to stay?
Dionne: I know everyone always says it, but it’s definitely the people. We’re like a family and everyone is here to help each other.
Melissa: Livv is all about having a positive impact and I love helping people.