Glazerite’s apprentices take centre stage
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Read Time: 3 mins
Apprenticeships are back in the spotlight for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 (5th -11th February), with the Glazerite UK Group using the opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication and success of its past and present apprentices.
Glazerite’s Group Managing Director, Rob Brearley, believes apprenticeships are the perfect solution for businesses looking to welcome new talent and fill skills gaps, and an ideal route into rewarding careers for individuals of every age.
Rob says: “Apprenticeships help employers build a workforce with future ready skills. We have apprentices working in a range of positions across the Group, from purchasing and IT to marketing. A number of our employees have also undertaken apprenticeships themselves and found them extremely valuable. Every one of our current and past apprentices are making their mark and contributing to the success of our business.”
Jack Rutter is a Purchasing Administrator Apprentice at Glazerite North West. Jack explains: “I chose to do an apprenticeship because it offers practical, hands-on experience in the workplace in addition to qualifications, with the added bonus of getting paid. I have developed my time management, communication and software skills and boosted my confidence in a supportive and friendly environment. Once I have completed my apprenticeship, I would love to continue working at Glazerite and progress within the company.”
Meanwhile Lucy Neville is working in Glazerite’s customer service team as a Business Administrator Apprentice. She says: “I like the balance of gaining experience and a qualification. My role has helped me develop so many skills, including customer service and IT, as well as listening and patience. It’s been really rewarding, and I would love to stay with Glazerite once I complete my apprenticeship.”
George Willdig, 22, who joined Glazerite as an Apprentice IT Systems Administrator in 2022, is set to complete his apprenticeship shortly. George says: “I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship. It’s been the perfect way to start my career and a really good opportunity to learn useful skills and grow as an individual. I’ve become skilled in problem solving as I’m often challenged and encouraged to operate autonomously and handle my own tasks.”
Matthews Joshy is working as a Procurement Apprentice and studying for his Business Admin NVQ, which he is due to complete next month. He says: “I chose to do an apprenticeship with Glazerite because I felt it would be the best way to get some practical, real-world experience and learn skills that I wouldn’t be able to in a classroom. I hope to move into a permanent purchasing role with Glazerite and work my way up into a management role.”
Oli Knaggs is a Digital Marketing Apprentice, studying for his Level 3 in Digital Marketing. He says: “After I finished college, I needed to make the choice between University or finding a job in something I enjoy. The apprenticeship with Glazerite really appealed to me as it was the perfect opportunity to learn and develop my practical skills. Since I’ve been here, I’ve improved my marketing skills, and have worked on everything from design software and social media templates to email marketing.”
Oli’s manager, Glazerite’s Digital Marketing Manager, Lauren Edwards, adds: “Apprenticeships are the perfect place to start out in careers like marketing, with the opportunity to build and develop skills and gain confidence in a range of areas. It’s been fantastic to see Oli excel in his role and bring a fresh perspective to marketing projects.”
Rob concludes: “Apprenticeships are a valuable way for people of any age to get a foot on the employment ladder, or to switch to another career. We’re delighted to have been able to attract some real talent to Glazerite via this route and we hope we can continue to help all of our apprentices reach their full potential.”
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Editors notes
The Glazerite UK Group Ltd is one of the largest fabricators of VEKA UK Group products, servicing trade installers for domestic and commercial installations across the UK. Glazerite combines the delivery of high-quality products, exceptional customer service and manufacturing expertise with unrivalled business support packages tailored to meet the needs of its installer partners. Headquartered in Wellingborough, Northants, the fabricator has a 3500 frames per week capacity and employs 270 people across its sites in Peterborough, Bristol, Bolton, Barnsley, and Wellingborough.
