To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with members of our team to find out why they chose the apprenticeship route, how it has made a difference to their career path and what advice they would give to others considering embarking on the journey. Here, we speak to Sam Forth, a Specification Development Manager who completed a Sales Executive Level 4 apprenticeship.

What made you take the leap to join the Sales Executive apprenticeship programme?

I saw the apprenticeship programme as an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and test, stretch and improve my skillset. I knew it would be challenging, but you don’t get better or grow when sitting happily within your comfort zone! I also liked the idea of mixing classroom learning with real-life “on the job” challenges, sprinkled in with some self-reflection self-learning time.

What was your highlight of the apprenticeship programme?

The highlight for me had to be the engagement with fellow apprentices. I really enjoyed and got value from the collaborative working environment we created. We would often bounce ideas around and debate the best way of approaching things to get the best outcomes. It’s something that I’ve taken forward into my work, trying to work more collaboratively with various stakeholders across the business, and externally.

How has your career benefitted from taking part in the apprenticeship programme?

Since completing the course, I’ve taken a lateral move to broaden my knowledge of world of paint specification. As a Specification Manager, I’m now using the tools and skills I gained on the apprenticeship with a different type of customer. Everything I learnt has been transferable to this new role but upon reflection, it was probably the apprenticeship programme that gave me the appetite and confidence to continue to stretch myself professionally, learn new things and seek out opportunities for continuous development.  

What advice would you like to share with those considering taking on an apprenticeship?

I would recommend speaking to someone who has finished the programme before you sign up to get a good idea of what it entails and the benefits. This way you can go in prepared and make the most of the programme.

For anyone sitting on the fence, I say go for it! An apprenticeship will test your abilities and you’ll grow in the process.

If you’d like to find out more about job opportunities at Dulux Decorator Centre, please visit https://dulux.manpower.co.uk/


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