We’re proud to support National Apprenticeship Week this week (3 - 9 Feb). We want to highlight the great contribution that our apprentices are making across the organisation and share their experiences of the learning and development opportunities they’re gaining.

We’ve recently expanded our apprenticeship programme, so we can create more ‘home grown’ talent that helps us become even stronger in our support for customers.

In the last year, 32 apprentices have joined us and become part of a wide range of teams, including Repairs, Finance, Neighbourhoods, Customer Experience and Governance.

Our apprenticeship scheme focuses on two programme types; one for upskilling and developing current staff, and one for recruiting local people to learn on the job. We know that it’s important to invest in our staff, as well as providing opportunities for new people who want to learn a trade or profession and build a bright future for themselves.

Apprenticeship programmes provide a fantastic opportunity for people who prefer ‘hands on’ learning, to gain a nationally recognised qualification, whilst being paid. An apprenticeship can unlock brilliant career options across a broad range of roles and industries. With opportunities to develop and progress further. Our apprentices bring a lot of value to the organisation. They’re not making the tea, they’re making a difference and helping us deliver a great customer service.

We spoke to a few of our current apprentices to find out more about their experiences with us, and to some previous apprentices who are now employed with us full time.

What’s it like being an apprentice at VIVID?

William, Governance Administration Apprentice

"My favourite thing about being an apprentice here is that I’m treated like any other employee. My managers and colleagues don’t talk to me like I’m the new kid or ever imply that they lack faith in me; they treat me the same as they treat everyone else and that gives me a lot of confidence."

Ashley, Customer Experience Apprentice

Ashley joined our Customer Experience Apprenticeship programme in October and she’s also a VIVID customer.   

“I’ve been a customer of VIVID for years and always thought highly of the company. I became unemployed due to a health condition and after I recovered, I decided I wanted to learn a new skill and start a career to better myself, and an apprenticeship scheme seemed like the best way to do this.

“Customer experience was an area I thought I would like to work in so when I came across VIVID’s advert it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I was so pleased when I found out I had made it onto the scheme! I love the fact I learn as I work – it’s made starting a new career much easier for me.”

Dannielle Heather, HR Apprentice

"Working as an apprentice at VIVID has been so much more than I could have expected. I love my Tuesday afternoons learning at college and then putting it into practice at work. The help I get from my colleagues is amazing, I couldn’t ask for a lovelier team of people to work with. 

I’m excited to see where my apprenticeship takes me throughout my career; I’m already considering the next level up!"

What’s next, after an apprenticeship?

Watch our short career journeys video to hear Ben and Lauren talk about their career journeys, and how they've been supported to learn and progress from their graduate and apprentice roles.

Want to find out more?

You can find out more about the careers and apprenticeship opportunities at VIVID on our Careers pages.