Guardian Water Treatment celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), this year taking place 6^th – 12^th February, is a celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

We’re a big fan of the apprenticeship scheme at Guardian, offering a number of placements throughout the company. Apprenticeships help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future ready skills.

To kick-off NAW, we have spoken to some of our Business Administration Apprentices (past and present), to find out how they are finding working for Guardian and the apprenticeship process.

What is the Business Administration Apprenticeship?

The Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship covers the delivery, handling and management of our central business functions. Existing employees pass on their knowledge to our young apprentices in order to develop a motivated and developing workforce that helps move the business forward.

Our apprentices learn to support and engage different parts of the organisation, while interacting with internal staff and external customers, working across the different teams within Guardian, resolving issues as required.

During their apprenticeship, our apprentices develop highly transferable skills and behaviours that can be applied across Guardian and the wider world of work.

What happens after the Apprenticeship?

Successful apprentices are offered full-time key roles within the business, providing further opportunity to build upon their skills learned. With support and development along a set career pathway we provide clear goals to help them reach their potential.

Current apprentice:

Millie Donn – Apprentice Business Administrator Level 3

“My Apprenticeship at Guardian Water Treatment has been amazing so far, it has given me a wider perspective on office jobs and what to expect from them, and it has made me more confident in my office skills such as IT skills and working in a professional setting.

“My apprenticeship work by Crown has been going well, I find that the work is fair, and I am enjoying being busy and joining the classes online to help me improve my skills.

“Overall working at Guardian has been a great experience, and I am looking forward to continuing my apprenticeship journey!”

Past apprentices, now employed by Guardian:

Ellie Tracey – Key Account Administrator

“My apprenticeship enabled me to improve my skills within the office environment such as both written and verbal communication. Guardian was extremely supportive during the assessment period and the transition from my apprenticeship to a full-time permanent role within Guardian.

“Learning through training provider, LMP, gave me confidence which I applied to my new role.  LMP’s easily laid out modules gave me the organisational skills that enabled me to obtain an admin role which caters for my skills development.”

 

Molly Nelson – Internal Sales Administrator

“I was studying the Business Admin Apprenticeship level 3 course with Crown. My experience with this learning provider has overall been a pleasurable experience albeit with tutor changes and the length of time I was on my programme due to the pandemic.

“Guardian has supported my apprenticeship exceptionally well and allowed me to complete my programme to the best of my ability and have the confidence to continue to a higher role.

“In October 2022 I was offered the opportunity to join the Internal Sales team permanently at Guardian and I am now a valued member of my new team.”

Tom Holt – Management Accountant (six-years at Guardian)

“I started with Guardian as an apprentice back in 2017 and was performing basic duties such as invoicing and resolving client queries.

“Within two years I was given the opportunity to learn the purchase ledger and expand my knowledge within the business. A year later, I was then moved to management accounts and was trained on monthly accounts under the supervision of the Financial Controller.

“I am now currently working as a Management Accountant and am the go-to contact for Guardian Water Treatment. The company has supported me throughout which has allowed me to become AAT qualified. In 2023 I should also be ACCA qualified.”

For more information about careers at Guardian, click here.