National Apprenticeship Week 2021

This week is National Apprenticeship Week. The global pandemic has forced us all to establish new ways of working which we have had to adapt to which, like all of us, has affected apprenticeships and the normal ways of learning and working.

Lorelei Cruz, Marketing and Communications Assistant, recently completed her Business Administration Apprenticeship, but it came with many new challenges.

A few weeks before her End Point Assessment was due to take place, Lorelei was told it was likely that her apprenticeship completion date would have to be pushed back due to COVID-19. With revision underway and many practice presentations delivered, West Suffolk College gave the go-ahead for Lorelei’s assessments to be completed remotely. Lorelei was able to complete successfully mock exams and revision for her End Point Assessment while working from home. The End Point Assessment was carried out online using unfamiliar software and Lorelei was recorded throughout the process. Following the completion of her knowledge test, presentation and portfolio-based interview, Lorelei was thrilled to find out she had passed her apprenticeship with a distinction. Since completing her apprenticeship Lorelei has taken on a new role within the Marketing and Communications team. Lorelei’s daily tasks include liaising with our multi-disciplinary team and clients to arrange project milestone ceremonies and organising a variety of staff engagement events. In addition to this, Lorelei manages Concertus’ social media platforms and ensures the leadership team are always updated on industry-relevant news.

Lorelei’s Tutor Caroline Yeldham, said: “You have worked so hard for this and your results were very much deserved. I am so happy for you! It has been an absolute pleasure working with you throughout your Apprenticeship and I wish you all the best in the future”.

Theo Warren joined the team in September 2019 and has recently completed the first year of his Level 4 HNC in Building Services Engineering. Whilst reflecting on 2020, when he continued to study at London South Bank University, and work with Concertus as a Trainee Building Services Engineer, Theo told us: “During the pandemic, I have completed 100% of my studies and exams alongside working on my day-to-day job virtually. In the beginning, I found it hard to get used to, but my colleagues and mentors have been a priceless resource to me and have gone above and beyond to support me during this time of uncertainty. Having to complete my University work online has put the responsibility in my hands more than ever, but this has been a good way for me to dive deep into my studies and figure things out on my own, rather than ask for help straightaway. I can’t say this year has been easy, but definitely one with some invaluable lessons that I won’t forget!”

Dylan Riches, who joined Concertus as a Civil Engineer Apprentice in 2020, is studying a Civil Engineer Degree Standard Level 6 at Suffolk New College. Dylan shared his thoughts with us: “Since starting at Concertus I have had many opportunities to develop my skills and learn valuable new ones. Working with the Civil and Structural Engineering team, I have improved my CAD skills and my colleagues have been fundamental in furthering my general knowledge of engineering. The multi-disciplinary aspect of Concertus has also given me the opportunities to explore other routes within the design and construction sector”.

We continue to support the learning and development of all our trainees – this includes employees who are still studying and those who have now completed their qualifications.