To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (February 5-11) we’re sharing insights into some of our apprenticeship roles at Selwood.
Here, we sat down with Emily to find out why she chose the apprenticeship route and what she enjoys about her role as Apprentice SHEQ Administrator.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
“After studying Health and Social Care and Engineering, I knew I wanted to work in Health and Safety. There aren’t many H&S university courses out there and I didn’t want to jump straight into a role without studying, so I thought an apprenticeship would be the best route, so I could learn on the job.
“To give myself some background and knowledge I completed IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health). Not long after I came across the role on indeed.
“It was the first interview I’d ever had! My line manager really put me at ease during the interview process. We had a laugh and I felt like Selwood would be a great place to work at that point.”
“The course I’m doing is Business Administration, which ties in nicely with being a SHEQ Administrator. I love working across the different areas that the SHEQ team cover as it means I am always doing something different. I aspire to work within SHEQ long term, and my apprenticeship is giving me the knowledge to do so.”
How do your studies work alongside the apprenticeship?
“I don’t have to attend college, instead I have monthly meetings with my college assessor in the office. This is to see how I have been getting on and for them to check if I need any support. I also have reviews with my line manager to see how I am progressing with my course.
“If I have some free time in between tasks, I will spend time working on my coursework which I am really grateful for.”
What responsibilities do you have as Apprentice SHEQ Administrator?
“My tasks include communicating with internal and external stakeholders daily. This involves supporting my co-workers and communicating with suppliers.
“I liaise with our suppliers for PPE, fire service, PAT testing, waste transfer and all contractors. I ensure all supplier documentation is up-to-date which we require as part of our on-going evaluation of our supply chain. I also track and respond to SHEQ calls and emails, as well as general enquires.
“Day-to-day, I complete various administration tasks such as file management and updates, statics updates, external distribution memos, taking meeting minutes and completing suppliers’ questionnaires regarding SHEQ. I support the team whenever needed.
“The team have taken me on internal and external audits all over the country and even to the Netherlands!
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities given to me while being at Selwood during my apprenticeship and the relationships I have built.
“From this and working daily with our SHEQ Director, Health and Safety Manager, Environmental Manager and Quality Manager, I’m learning from the best! They will offer to sit down and talk me through things. I really appreciate them taking time out of their busy days to help me.”
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
“Absolutely. With this being my first job, I was nervous to start, but with everyone being so helpful and welcoming, I feel like I have settled in really well. I’m enjoying every part of it.”