Reflecting on our work with the Apertus Group

At Starting Off, one area of the work we do which is crucial to our core values is to develop partnerships with our clients that extend beyond a business transaction. We want to understand our client’s business’s, their culture and aspirations for their team.

 

 

In 2020, Starting Off began working with The Apertus Group and its safe to say, 4 years on we work in partnership with this fantastic company that truly embraces developing local talent. The Apertus Group, based on Moulton Park Industrial Estate, Northampton, are an honest and innovative procurement business covering various sectors including automotive, energy, print, water and installation. The group have had some fantastic success stories through supporting the apprenticeship scheme. Perhaps most notably, Maddie Humphrey, Business Administration Level 3 apprentice who recently won the Apprentice of the year at the 2024 Business Excellence Awards.

 

 I recently caught up with Operations Manager Becky Barrett and the 2 new Starting Off apprentices, Evie and Jocelyn to talk all things apprenticeship.         

       

 

What were you doing before you started your apprenticeship?

Evie, ‘Before I started my apprenticeship, I was in sixth form studying maths, criminology and psychology for my A-levels, I also had a part time job, working in a Pub.’

 

Jocelyn ‘Before I started my apprenticeship at The Apertus Group, I was doing my first year of a level 3 forensic science and criminal investigation course at Northampton College which I stopped halfway through.  I was also working 3 days a week at a pub.’

 

Where did you first hear about apprenticeships? 

Evie, ‘I first heard about apprenticeships when I was in Year 11, a lot of people were talking about going to get an apprenticeship when finishing their GCSEs instead of college or sixth form. I decided that I wanted to go to sixth form but then in my second year I knew that I didn’t want to go to university. I delved deep into apprenticeships, and I thought I would enjoy it more.’

 

Jocelyn, ‘I first heard about apprenticeships at school in year 11. We weren’t told much about them there, whereas in college we were also told about them and I read about them on their website when I was finding courses.’

 

Do you think there is enough information available during education about apprenticeship opportunities?

Evie ‘In sixth form, there was a bit of information about apprenticeships and what you do in them but nowhere near enough as there should’ve been given as they knew a lot of people in my year did not want to go to uni.’

 

Jocelyn ‘No, I don’t think so. I didn’t know much about them during school which is why I went straight to college. I think if I knew more about them like I do now I would have probably gone straight into one.’

 

What motivated you to want to do an apprenticeship?

Evie ‘While I was in sixth form, I wanted to go to university but as I got older, I realised sitting in a lecture for hours, wasn’t my best learning technique as I am more of a practical person.’

 

Jocelyn ‘I wasn’t happy with being at college. I wasn’t enjoying being in a classroom anymore and I knew my course wasn’t something I wanted to go into at the end which made me think an apprenticeship would be best suited for me. This is because I’m more of a hands-on learner and prefer being practical to learn.’

 

How did you find your experience when working with Starting Off?

Evie, ‘I found my experience very easy. We had a meeting about what career path I wanted to go down. When that was established, they sent me a couple of job applications and they filled it all in for me, all I had to say was if I wanted to go for it. Starting off got me two interviews a couple of days after having my first meeting with them.’

 

Jocelyn, ‘Really easy.  There was a good amount of support especially when it came to the interviews. Because I had never been to an interview before, I wasn’t sure how it would go, but I felt prepared for it from the help that they provided to me. They also made sure that I was kept updated.’

 

What are you doing in your apprenticeship role and what do you hope to achieve in the long term?

Evie, ‘At The Apertus Group, I am completing the Level 3 business administration apprenticeship.  I focus on the energy side, and I hope to continue that in the future as the energy world fascinates me.’

 

Jocelyn, ‘At the moment, in my apprenticeship I am working on the automotive side of the company. I hope to complete the apprenticeship and end with a permanent role and progress within the company.’

 

 

We then moved on to find out the employer perspective with Becky Barrett

As an employer, what do you feel are the benefits of employing apprentices?

‘We can align training to our needs. It will then offer on the job training in a safe working environment, then at the end of the apprenticeship it will give them the experience needed for the job role. I feel that it encourages young apprentices to consider their job as a career, which is the reason why they stay committed to the business longer.’

 

How have apprentices impacted on your business?

‘They have been a great addition to the team. We have been able to train them up on our procedures that we have in place to then give them the right training to complete their apprenticeship. They are then starting at the bottom and working their way through to gain knowledge of the job role. To then further their career with The Apertus Group. We have had Maddie join us over a year ago and is coming to the end of her level 3 Business administration Apprenticeship where she will then go on to jump into a new sales role. So, there is always progression for the apprentices.’

 

As an employer, do you feel there is adequate information available when looking into taking on apprenticeships?

‘I have noticed that there are a few events for employers regarding Apprenticeships. You guys at Starting off did a great event at Northampton University at the start of the year which was informative for all businesses to attend.  We have always used Starting off for our recruitment of apprentices, so haven’t looked into other companies in the area.’

 

How has your experience been working with Starting Off?

‘We have loved working with Starting off.  It has been a seamless experience from start to finish of the recruitment process. Always been kept up to date by Sophie of new applicants for the job role. Every candidate that we have been sent has had the qualities that we look for. Last year we had Maddie start with us and she has been amazing, her commitment to the job and her knowledge of the automotive side is second to none. We have introduced two new apprentices to the team, and they are doing so well going in their second week at The Apertus Group.’

 

What advice would you give to an employer considering employing apprentices? Challenges, advantages any surprises?

‘I feel like there isn’t any challenges that we have faced as yet. It’s definitely been an advantage taking on an apprenticeship here at The Apertus Group, we have apprentices come in with no previous experience of the job which has then enabled us to them have them learn on the job.

 

I have been surprised at how well the apprentices have absorbed all the training we have given them.  Always asking questions and wanting more.’