LiveWest underlining commitment to investing in careers

With a theme of ‘Build the Future’, National Apprenticeships Week provides an opportunity for organisations to celebrate colleagues at the start of their career journey.

The annual campaign, backed by the government, encourages everyone to consider how apprenticeships help to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.

The week-long celebration will shine a light on the fantastic work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.

It will also recognise how employers of all sizes have stepped up to the challenge during these difficult times.

The largest housing association in the South West, LiveWest, appreciate the full value of apprenticeships in helping to set people on their chosen career path.

It currently has 39 apprentices in programmes ranging from Level 2 in Plumbing to Level 7 Masters in

Business Administration, with a variety of levels and specialisms in between.

Sandra Davison, Head of People and Reward for LiveWest, said: “National Apprenticeships Week is a great opportunity for us to highlight the amazing progress our apprentices have made during the last year.

“Apprenticeships can be a life-changing experience for many, providing a foundation to build their careers in the future.

“At LiveWest we have taken positive steps to ensure our apprentices are able to continue their studies and get that vital practical experience during this unprecedented time.”

Taking a career change at the age of 40 helped Tracy Perkin realise her dream after she started an apprenticeship in gas engineering and plumbing 18 months ago.

Having worked for the best part of 20 years for a plumber’s merchant selling boiler parts, Plymouth-based Tracy found herself at a career crossroads.

And despite females making up just two per cent of those working in the plumbing trade, Tracy has never looked back since joining LiveWest.

Tracy said: “I often get that look of surprise when I knock on the door of one of our customers. People generally expect a male to arrive and that’s perfectly understandable.

“Our customers are great, and I get lots of comments about how fantastic it is that a woman has come to look at their boiler.

“The plumbing trade has always been male-dominated and it will take time for that to change. I guess I am flying the flag for women.

“What I hope it will do is make people think and consider a career path regardless of gender and age.

“Luckily for me, LiveWest don’t hold any barriers and welcome people whatever their age or gender.

“I am in the second year of my apprentice and it is the best thing that could have happened to me. It has literally changed my life.

“What I would say is that more women should have a go at these trades because you gain some fantastic skills.”

Despite the sudden switch from the office to home working following the outbreak of Covid-19, Isabella Beard has relished every moment of her apprenticeship.

Having worked as a Team Leader at Tesco for almost three years, Isabella arrived at LiveWest in October 2019 at the age of 20 to start an apprenticeship in the Income Team as an administrator.

Isabella said: “I have found my apprenticeship extremely rewarding. I had not been in education since college and working towards targets and completing tasks has been a great motivation within my role.

“Being part of an organisation that is heavily customer focused, especially during the pandemic, has made me proud to work here.

“Being able to work from home has played a key role in keeping me safe during the pandemic.

“LiveWest’s quick solutions to adapt to the new working environment has been great and the technology means we can all stay connected so although you are working from home, you still feel very much part of a team.”

Fin Walker left school at 16 to take up an apprenticeship with LiveWest.

He completed a Level 3 NVQ Apprenticeship in Construction and, after two years with the organisation, he was offered the opportunity to do a Level 6 apprenticeship in quantity surveying – a part-time degree at the

University College of Estates Management.

With one year left of his degree, Fin has already fixed his sights on becoming a fully qualified quantity surveyor and securing his chartership from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Fin said: “I love working for LiveWest, I love what I do and it makes me feel proud to play my part.

“I like the people here and it’s a nice place.

They nurture people and help you develop.”

To find out more about LiveWest go to www.livewest.co.uk