‘An apprenticeship is a great experience for anyone at the start of their career.’ – we speak to three of our new apprentices working at Citizen

We recently offered a number of apprenticeship opportunities at Citizen and now have 19 apprentices working across our organisation!

Our Apprenticeship Scheme aims to encourage the progression of young people and supports talent development at Citizen.

The apprentices we have recruited are now working in our teams including carpentry, customer services, electricians, finance, painting and decorating, planning and plumbing.

Painter and Decorator Apprentice Toni-Leigh Chohan said she will achieve her City and Guilds qualification after three years.

She said: “I enjoy painting and decorating as its a skill I already have, but I’ve been working with other people across Citizen learning multiple trades such as plastering, carpentry, and plumbing, which I didn’t expect.

“What I have found challenging is getting into a routine and being in a working environment. It has been very different for me, from waking up in the morning to communicating with customers.

“I would like to say that an apprenticeship is like any other job, but it’s better in my eyes. For me a job at a desk is not a job for life. I’m a hands-on person and must experience different things every day and this apprenticeship gives me that. I’ve been treated well and its great experience for anyone who is at the start of their career.”

Plumber Apprentice Archie Tucker said his apprenticeship will take four years to complete and he will receive a Level 3 qualification in Plumbing and Gas.

He said: “ I’m really enjoying it so far. The experience is giving me new skills and I’m meeting loads of new people and facing challenges everyday, but we all help each other out to ensure we do our best in helping our customers.

“Once my apprenticeship is over, I would like to continue working for Citizen as a full time member of staff.”

Customer Service Apprentice Lucy Moreton is working on her Customer Service Specialist Level 3 apprenticeship which takes 18 months to complete.

She said: “So far, it’s been quite challenging as I’ve had a lot to learn but I’m enjoying it. My apprenticeship covers a wide range of skills including customer service culture and environment, customer journey knowledge, providing a positive customer experience, and customer insight and service improvement.

“I’ve had plenty of help from everyone within my team. I’d like to say a special thank you to my manager, Customer Service Team Leader, Katie Hillman and Senior Customer Service Advisor, Lydia Gibbs, for helping me and supporting me so far.

“Once I have finished my apprenticeship, I would like a full-time job within any aspect of customer services.”

Our Apprenticeship scheme is part of our Talent Management approach at Citizen. Talent Management is about attracting, retaining and developing skills. We will then utilise these skills in the most effective way.

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