Heald apprentices celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023

As the 16th annual celebration of National Apprenticeship Week takes place 6th – 12th February,  this week is dedicated to celebrating the positive opportunities apprenticeships can offer.

Bringing together businesses and apprentices across the country, the awareness week highlights the positive impact apprenticeship schemes have on individuals, businesses and the UK economy.

The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’. Reflecting on how apprenticeships can bolster individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a valuable career, the awareness week shines a light on how apprenticeships can be a key element in helping businesses develop a talented workforce.

Having been announced as a regional finalist for the National Apprenticeship Awards 2022 in October, we’re extremely honoured to be recognised as a company that inspires young people to achieve careers suited to their skill sets and strengths. 

Recently we spoke to our apprentices at Heald. We asked about their role, and what they enjoy the most about their apprenticeship:

Luke Hirst undertaking his Level 3 Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship, said, “My job at Heald is to build up and wire the electrical panels. The thing I like most about my job is the different day-to-day tasks.

“I wanted to do an apprenticeship because I knew it would offer a more hands-on learning approach, and I knew this would work better for me. I would recommend undertaking an apprenticeship because, in my opinion, it’s the best way of learning. It’s hands-on, straight into the thick of work, and you’re also getting the knowledge side of things at college.”

Aimee Middleton-Frankton undertaking a Business Sales Apprenticeship, also commented on her role at Heald: “Heald supports my apprenticeship on a day-to-day basis by pushing me to my potential. People are always willing to help me learn, even when they are busy. They truly want to see me succeed.

“My biggest achievement at Heald is how much I have developed my skills, particularly my communication skills. As I have grown more confident, I have taken on my own role as part of the Heald team and supported people with tasks when I could. 

“Taking on further education or becoming an apprentice is a personal preference. For me taking on an apprenticeship was the best option.“

As a niche manufacturer of market-leading security products, finding individuals with specific skill sets can be challenging. However, our tailored apprenticeship scheme has enabled us to combat this by recruiting from various educational establishments. 

By actively engaging with local education providers, including Hornsea School and Language College and East Riding College, we can showcase apprenticeship opportunities, provide first-hand learning and offer advice on various career paths here at Heald. Recently, we were delighted to attend a career fair, which took place on the 26th January at Hornsea School and Language College. 

Ben Goodare, undertaking his Level 3 Metal Fabricator/Welding Apprenticeship, spoke about his experience at Heald: “I am an apprentice metal fabricator, and I enjoy learning and developing my skills every day.  

“I wanted to start earning money and see what the world of work is really like. I knew of Heald as a local business already, but I also wanted to join a close-knit, ‘family’ feel firm, so this felt like the right company for me.

“In my apprenticeship role, I can ask anyone questions, and everyone is really helpful.  Although I go to college one week a month (HETA) to continue my training, I do a lot of practical work at the Heald site. I would definitely say it’s better to get straight into work and earn money.”

Postgraduate training at Heald

As well as offering apprenticeship roles for high school leavers, at Heald we also offer a range of apprenticeship schemes geared towards postgraduate training. Natasha McDermmott who graduated from the University of Leicester with a degree in Geology with Geophysics, began her Level 3 Advanced Sales Administrator Apprenticeship in 2019, achieving completion in March 2021. 

In 2021, Natasha was crowned the winner at the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards in the Apprentice of the Year category, alongside being named Hull College’s Apprentice of the Year. Natasha now has autonomy on projects at Heald, and is continuing to develop in her role to provide technical support for the sales and marketing teams.

Managing Director, Debbie Heald MBE, commented: “We’re so proud to strengthen the knowledge and skills of so many driven individuals. At Heald, we pride ourselves on retaining apprentices for many years, allowing individuals to become experts in our world-leading security products, extending their development even after completing their training. 

“We look forward to continuing to support individuals choosing to enter the world of work through our apprenticeship schemes.”

Keep up to date with our career opportunities here – https://www.heald.uk.com/careers/