We’re marking the end of National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the huge contribution our apprentices are making to the operations of the central team.
Across People & Culture, Finance and Digital, we have young people learning and developing key skills within the Trust, as they embark on their employment journeys.
The longest serving current apprentice is Gabriel Leonard who works within the central finance team, supporting all of our schools:
“During my time as a Finance Apprentice, I’ve developed both technical and professional skills. Technically, I’ve learned how core finance processes work, including invoice processing and supporting month-end reporting. I’ve also improved my Excel skills and gained experience using accounting systems. Beyond the technical side, I’ve developed stronger attention to detail and time management skills, particularly during busy reporting periods.”
Gabriel Leonard
One of the newest recruits to BPT is HR apprentice Abigail Pugh, who supports the HR Officers in dealing with enquiries, managing the absence process and creating application packs for new roles:
“I found the job advert on the gov.uk apprenticeship page and thought it was intriguing as I hadn’t done anything like HR before and coming straight from finishing my A-levels meant that I was in the mindset of wanting to learn through hands-on experience, which was emphasized on the application pack.
I’ve seen how essential it is to embed the company’s values and beliefs into every aspect of our work and I’ve learnt the importance of community and building relationships within the workplace, and how amazing it can be to have a supportive and caring team around you.”
Abigail Pugh
IT has long proven a track record of developing talent, with Jamie Stevenson the latest to transition from apprentice into a permanent job:
“Converting my apprenticeship into a full-time role meant a lot to me. It showed that the effort and hard work I’d put in during my apprenticeship had been recognised and that I was trusted to continue in the role. It gave me a big confidence boost and confirmed that choosing the apprenticeship route was the right decision for me. It also motivated me to keep improving, learning, and developing further within my role.”
Jamie Stevenson
Jamie is now supporting our latest IT Apprentice, Charlie Pearce, in managing and answering IT issues from across Broadleaf as well as playing a big part in the roll out of Chromebooks to staff and students across our schools:
“The chance to develop my skills in real-world situations appealed to me much more than a classroom, particularly in such a fast-moving environment where you never know what might happen next. I believe this is the perfect place and role for me to become the best person I can be, and progress and develop not only in my career, but also in my life.”
Charlie Pearce
We asked all our apprentices for advice to anyone considering a similar career path:
“I would say go into it with an open mindset and be prepared to ask questions. I’d also recommend staying organised and managing your time well as it can be difficult learning new topics at work and college at the same time while hitting deadlines for coursework and exams.” – Gabriel Leonard
“Just go for it. It is an amazing opportunity and the experiences I have already received through the little time I have been here have been so memorable and insightful. It is an amazing approach to having practical life experiences whilst also receiving support and building relationships with your colleagues, and getting a qualification at the end of it.” – Abigail Pugh
“Ask questions, be open to learning, and not worry if you don’t know everything straight away — that’s expected. Showing up, putting the effort in, having a positive attitude, and being willing to get stuck in makes a big difference and helps you get the most out of the experience.” – Jamie Stevenson
“Stop considering and go for it! It is a great opportunity to learn the technical skills needed for their career, but also gain real-world experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom. – Charlie Pearce
Broadleaf’s Director of People & Culture, Samantha Palmer, says all of our apprentices are an inspiration to their colleagues:
“Our apprentices exemplify the spirit of lifelong learning at Broadleaf Partnership Trust. Their curiosity, dedication, and drive to develop not only strengthen our schools and central teams, but also inspire all of us to keep growing, keep improving, and keep investing in the futures of the communities we serve.”
Samantha Palmer