National Apprenticeship Week – 8th-12th February 2021
This National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are celebrating the efforts of those in our team who have completed or are currently undertaking an apprenticeship with HOP. We support individuals amongst our Technical and Administrative Teams to achieve recognised qualifications and provide genuine career opportunities.
Meredith, Structural Engineering Technician
“After GCSEs and A Levels I was keen to get out of full time study for a bit, but also wanted to focus on working towards a career.
The training program has been perfect in combining real work with university education. Everyone here is always happy to help with any questions you might have and it is brilliant learning from their experience. It’s great being able to apply what I learn at University into work the very next day!”
Ria French, HR Advisor
Ria joined HOP after achieving her A Levels and with an interest in starting a career in administration and people support. Having completed a Level 3 in Business Administration within her first 18 months, together we identified an opportunity to fill a skills gap in our HR setup. Ria is now a CIPD Level 5 qualified HR Advisor, supporting HOP HR Director, Alan Taylor.
‘An apprenticeship with HOP is a great start to begin a professional career and develop the transferable skills needed in the workplace. They have given me opportunity and autonomy to develop into my role as well as providing access to the formal training I require. The team are approachable and supportive of individual aspirations and I enjoy coming in to work each day.”
Gareth, Structural Engineering Technician
” I wasn’t sure if I wanted to study full-time at university after I finished college. Joining the HOP Apprenticeship Scheme was the biggest and best choice of my career.
Since joining, I have been working on live projects, seeing them through from initial scheme to being constructed. The two significant advantages of the apprenticeship scheme are the experience gained at a young age and the ability to ask engineers advice when associating coursework with live situations.
After I complete my apprenticeship, I aim to become an Incorporated Engineer. I enjoy going to career fairs as this gives me the chance to talk to young people about the apprenticeship route and other options available to them, so that they feel less pressure to go to university.”
Beata, Civil Engineering Technician
“As a Postgraduate with bills to pay, I am not able to study full-time. The HOP Apprenticeship scheme allows me to work on my Engineering Degree whilst gaining real experience on the job and being paid for my work.
I appreciate the knowledge learned at university more because I can use it at work. I am very thankful for the support from my experienced colleagues as it helps with both my apprenticeship and work progression.”