Eight apprentices pursuing their apprentices at Westcott based Mobile Mini have achieved distinctions. The company is a firm believer in developing its team and, for them, results so far have been top class. And, if you thought apprenticeships were just for school leavers, you might want to think again.
At Mobile Mini, a company that offers containers for rent, the team saw a return to study for some staff after many years out of the classroom. Among them Natalie, 38, a senior purchase ledger clerk who has been with the company for 16 years.
She said: “I think some people were surprised when I said I was doing an apprenticeship because I have worked at the company for so long.” But for her, and colleagues like her, it was a chance to develop new skills. Given the option to study a Level 3 Team Leader and Supervisor apprenticeship, she grasped the opportunity.
“To be given this chance to continue to develop and learn after working at the company for so long, shows that they are still willing to invest in me.” For her, the prospect of a return to the classroom left her feeling both nervous but excited.
“Once I had everything in front of me and looked at what I needed to do, I got into it really quickly and I enjoyed it.”
Laura, National Sales Centre Team Leader at Mobile Mini for 10 years, was asked if she would like to study an apprenticeship. For her, there was no hesitation.
Laura said: “I have an obsession with learning, and so when I was offered this I jumped at it,” she said. Among colleagues faced with the additional challenge of completing the qualification in lockdown, the 31-year-old was determined to succeed.
“To still feel like you can develop and be offered courses after 10 years, shows that the company cares about the people that work here.” For the 31-year-old it proved a top result, not only did she achieve a distinction but a promotion as well. For me the apprenticeship has been fantastic. Now I look after a team of seven people!”
Head of Sales and Marketing Chris Fay said: “At Mobile Mini we firmly believe that people are our most valuable asset and the introduction of the team leader apprenticeship course is a fantastic way to ensure we continue to build a diverse talent pipeline, developing our staff through the introduction of new skills across the organisation.
“The course really helps identify and reduce any knowledge gaps by developing leadership skills that work best for Mobile Mini. We are proud to say that we have seen a number of our employees flourish through this programme and implementing the leadership skills they have acquired through the apprenticeship on a day-to-day basis, as part of their role.”
Stockton Riverside College Assessor Paula Young, who has supported the Mobile Mini staff through their apprenticeships said: “For all eight of the team, who have completed this apprenticeship in recent years, to achieve a distinction is remarkable. I am absolutely over the moon for each and every one.
“For some this has been the first qualification they will have done since leaving school. To be given that opportunity to develop in their role is amazing.”
