A SCHEME BUILT TO SHOW OFF YOUR TRUE SHINE
Working full time and earning money while gaining a qualification sounds like a pretty good deal to us here at Verastar. That’s why our apprenticeship scheme is now in its second year. Brought together by Customer Experience Manager, Joannne Howarth, the Verastar apprenticeship, partnered with Damar, offers candidates a Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service. It recognises that employment in the customer service sector involves a diverse range of functions, tasks and activities that are constantly developing and changing.
Nathan Astbury was the company’s first apprentice in 2015, and following in his successful steps this year is Liam Danson who has taken up the coveted position. Here’s what both of them have to say on being a Verastar Customer Service Advisor apprentice…
What made you choose to do an apprenticeship at Verastar?
Nathan: “Personally, I wanted a change in career. I had been working as a paralegal prior to starting my apprenticeship and Verastar seemed like the perfect place for that to happen.”
Liam: “For me, it wasn’t a conscious decision. I spoke with Joanne at the fair and decided to give it a try. I didn’t want to work in a call centre but I have to say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised.”
What’s the best thing about being an apprentice at Verastar?
Nathan: “Bar starting a career and gaining a qualification, the support of the team has been phenomenal.”
Liam: “I am learning so many business, IT and key skills. Another big plus is how lenient the company is when it comes to my coursework, I never feel overwhelmed or overworked.”
What skills would you say you’ve learned?
Nathan: “Using my initiative, being more confident and learning how a business works from every aspect.”
Liam: “Self-confidence is a big one for me.”
Do you find the modules challenging while holding down a full time job?
Liam: “No not all, I’m being supported by the whole team and have plenty of time to work on my coursework.”
Have there been any challenging moments?
Nathan: “Not really, I felt enthused while developing and progressing at work learning to hold down a full time job.”
If you’re interested in knowing more about our apprenticeship or being part of the Verastar family, then tweet us @verastaruk
