Gaining skills for life

Seizing the opportunity

“I was on the look-out for a new job,” explains Jay Hammond. It was then that he saw a chance to do something different – a chance that he could not pass up.

“This opportunity displayed itself, to carry out an apprenticeship in health and safety on a university campus with a Grade 1 listed building.” Fair enough, but what was it about the apprenticeship, apart from it being in a nice place, that appealed to him?

“The thought of being able to earn while I learn stood out. It meant I could pick up skills and qualifications while I progressed through my day-to-day jobs and my apprenticeship.”

Jay really did seize his opportunity and has made the best of it. 

“I have now completed my apprenticeship, achieving a distinction which I am incredibly proud of. It was difficult at times, especially when it came to the end-point assessment, as it added a lot of pressure. But I enjoyed all the online learning that I carried out and any courses that I went on, both a part of the apprenticeship but also a part of my day-to-day job.”

Passing with flying colours, Jay knows what apprentices can offer businesses. It’s a win-win for the individual and the organisation.

“I think businesses should take on an apprentice as it is a great place for them to train up the new generation. They also will have a new generation that want to learn and succeed so will put the effort in doing this.”

Jay feels that an apprenticeship offers more than simply the skills to do a job. For him, it is much more, and longer term.

“Getting my foot in the door”

Jenny Storeham is a great example of someone switching careers. She is a Student Member of IOSH and an active member of the Future Leaders Steering Group. She is currently studying the Safety, Health and Environment Technician apprenticeship. 

She had left the military and was seeking a change of direction. Her careers adviser told her about the apprenticeship. He suggested that it would be, as Jenny puts it, a way to “get my foot in the door”.

“I decided to go down this route, because not only does it give me qualifications, it also gives me hands-on, practical experience – and I get paid to do it as well.”

Jenny sees the benefit on all levels. At the same time, she’s gaining new experiences and extending herself.

“I’ve found it to be very interesting and a massive learning curve. I’ve managed to do things I wouldn’t have done if I was going to college all the time.”

It makes sense, in Jenny’s mind, for businesses to get involved in apprenticeships.

“I would encourage businesses to take on apprentices, because not only do you get another body working for you; you can teach them how you do business and the things that you would need to know in a real working environment.”

The SHE Technician apprenticeship was launched in 2018 by a ‘trailblazer’ group of volunteers from a cross-section of industries (construction, manufacturing, retail and local government).

Since then, over 2,000 people have enrolled in the apprenticeship. The majority of starters (68 per cent) have been in the 25+ age group, with 23 per cent aged 19-24 and the remaining 9 per cent under 19 years. It shows that the apprenticeship is attractive to people with previous work experience, as well as school-leavers.

In England, the SHE Technician apprenticeship leads to a level 3 qualification (roughly equivalent to A levels). This is achieved after two years’ study covering technical knowledge in statutory safety, health and environmental obligations, management systems and investigations. It all aligns with IOSH’s competency framework.

Tracey Young of Valkyrie Support Services says: “As a leading provider of the Level 3 SHE apprenticeship, we’ve witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of apprenticeships. They offer individuals the opportunity to gain vital skills and qualifications while providing businesses with a skilled, motivated workforce. We’re excited to continue supporting the development of future safety professionals.”

Many training providers will be using National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the success of their apprentices and the growth of the host companies.

Find more information on providers of the SHE Technician apprenticeship and details of its specifications.