To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2014 (3-7 March), Serco has pledged to recruit over 100 new apprentices into its UK businesses by the end of the year, an increase of over 10% on existing numbers.
Last year, the company was acknowledged by the National Apprenticeship Service as being one of the UK’s top 100 employers of apprentices yet only two years ago Serco offered just five apprenticeship positions a year at one contract site.
The company now employs over 950 apprentices at over 90 different sites across the country from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall to the National Citizen Service in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. These men and women are undertaking Level 3 qualifications in a range of sectors from Accounting, Custodial Care and Contact Centre Operations through to Hospitality Services, Leisure Management and Aeronautical Engineering. Serco also has a further 450 people working within its Apprenticeship Framework undertaking Level 2 qualifications.
Julia Warren, Serco’s HR Director said: “Our commitment to the national apprenticeship programme has enabled us to recruit some exciting new talent into the business while supporting these individuals to develop their skills and progress. As apprenticeships become more popular than ever, I’m proud that Serco is expanding its own scheme and further supporting the workforce of tomorrow. The vast majority of our apprentices are aged 16 to 25; however the oldest is 65 proving you’re never too old to learn while you earn.”
CASE STUDIES
1. Ryan Muscroft, RAF Fylingdales, North Yorkshire
Ryan is undertaking an Electro-Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship at RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire. The 20-year-old joined Serco in January 2013 after spotting the vacancy on the National Apprenticeships’ website. Previously, he’d been working part-time and looking for the chance to learn a trade. Ryan said: “I wanted the chance get some real life, on-the-job experience before I’m qualified. I’ve settled into the workplace and college quickly and really feel part of the team. My apprenticeship has given me more confidence, further developed my skills and given me a greater knowledge of my interests and potential career. I really enjoy the hands-on approach and to learn through doing.”
2. Daniel Rutter, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset
Daniel is undertaking his Level 3 Diploma in Aero Nautical Engineering and joined Serco for a three-year Apprenticeship in 2011 after leaving school. Based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset, the 19-year-old carries out intensive maintenance repairs on helicopters works, primarily Sea King Search and Rescue aircraft. Daniel, who last week attended a national apprenticeship event in London hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, said: “I was glad to hear the Government plans to not only increase the number of apprenticeships but also the quality and people’s perception of them. Increasing the status of apprenticeships is essential to keep a skilled workforce and show many school leavers that college and university aren't the only routes for their future.”
3. Joshua Bramall and Jeevan Nagra, Serco Welfare Services, Sheffield and Birmingham
Joshua, aged 20, joined Serco in 2012 after leaving sixth-form. He works as a Contract Administrator for Serco’s Welfare Services team based in Sheffield and has recently completed his Level 3 Business and Administration apprenticeship. Joshua had a place to study Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University; but spotted the Serco vacancy on the National Apprenticeships’ website and has not looked back. Joshua said: “I believe that I made the right decision, this apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop my understanding and knowledge of the workplace and of Serco. I feel that I have made a positive and strong foundation within Serco, and gained strong attributes from my colleagues with Welfare Services”.
Jeevan also works for Serco’s Welfare Services team but as a Quality Assurance Administrator Apprentice based in the Birmingham office. He joined the business 15 months ago and is undertaking a Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration. Jeevan works closely works closely with Serco’s Work Programme providers and help ensure any payment claims are contractually compliant. Jeevan said: “Doing an apprenticeship was perhaps one of the best things that I have done as personally full-time education didn’t appeal to me. As an apprentice, I am able to get a clear picture of what the working world is like and at the same time get some good qualifications under my belt. I would strongly recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone that is contemplating it.”
4. Nikita Wicks, Suffolk Community Healthcare, Bury St Edmunds
Nikita is a Call Analyst for Suffolk Community Healthcare (SCH) based in Bury St Edmonds. Nikita applied for a young apprenticeship position in May 2011 and was offered a post as an Administrator in the training department. She has gone from strength-to-strength and has now secured a permanent position in the new Care Co-ordination Centre where she takes calls from referrers, patients and members of the public; and arranges visits and care from our staff. Nikita commented: “During my apprenticeship, I have learned how to carry out basic administration, understand and use the training database, take phone call and e-mail queries from staff about training and many other skills. When SCH transferred to Serco I was offered a job in the Care Co-ordination Centre where I am now enjoying working”.
