For the next edition of our Homegrown Heroes series, we spoke to Leigh Bartram, Housing with Support Coordinator and Rosie Thompson, Learning and Development Assistant at Plymouth Community Homes (PCH).
Leigh and Rosie both joined PCH as apprentices alongside Achievement Training, a local training provider offering training and courses in various fields. After successfully completing their apprenticeships, they are now permanently employed within the organisation and have worked hard to progress to where they are today.
Leigh joined the business six years ago as an Apprentice Administrator in the Communities team, and she now works as a Coordinator in our Housing with Support team with line management duties.
Leigh said: “I chose to complete an apprenticeship at Plymouth Community Homes to start a career working to something that I can contribute towards, and I wanted to be able to directly impact the community in Plymouth.
“Before joining PCH I had little experience working in an office role, or working with residents in the community, so as a result of working for PCH I have gained plenty of experience, specifically working with the elderly with vulnerabilities. Without the experience of my apprenticeship and working at PCH, it would have been very difficult for me to get a job like this.
“When I applied for my apprenticeship, I was 27 years of age, and although it is often perceived that apprenticeships are designed just for school leavers, this is not the case and they are designed for individuals of any age. I think apprenticeships work perfectly for individuals who are a little bit older and want to make that change and do something that they feel passionate about.
“If I had to give any advice to someone who is interested in taking up an apprenticeship, I would say that you’ve got to be keen to get stuck into the work and to always go above and beyond in the place that you’re working, always remaining professional. It is also important to keep on top of the coursework as that is equally important to allow you to gain your qualification.”
Rosie recently completed a Level Three Business Administration Apprenticeship with Achievement Training, and has now secured a permanent role as a Learning and Development Assistant in the HR team.
Rosie said: “After graduating university, I was unsure on my next steps, so I decided to apply for an apprenticeship at PCH as an Apprentice Customer Assurance Assistant in the Quality Assurance team.
“I was keen to gain valuable work experience and earn a wage all whilst working towards earning a qualification that would enhance my opportunities and experience.
“I was so happy to complete my apprenticeship with a distinction which enabled me to secure a fixed-term secondment as a HR Administrator, and a permanent role as a Learning and Development Assistant in the HR team.
“I am so grateful for my apprenticeship with PCH and Achievement Training as it has really allowed me to grow in confidence both professionally and personally and I believe that an apprenticeship is a perfect opportunity for anyone to learn new skills and to begin your career journey whilst being offered support and guidance to help you succeed.”
Danielle Houston, HR Business Partner (Learning & Staff Development), said: “The HR team is very proud to support apprentices like Leigh and Rosie. They have both gone on to secure permanent roles within the organisation, across multiple departments. This is down to the invaluable skills they developed throughout their apprenticeships and how transferable these experiences have been.”
