Earlier this year we identified a gap within our administration department and we decided to sign up to the Apprentice Pledge with Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and employ an apprentice.   This represented a different direction for FSL as we had only really employed technical staff on the operational side of the business before.  Admin Director, Ann Roberts explains “As our business started to grow and with specific administration functions being identified we felt an opportunity for both FSL and a suitable candidate had emerged”.

[quote float=”left”]I have settled in well within the company, everyone has made me feel very welcome and part of the team.[/quote]

Our decision to take on an apprentice stemmed from the fact that the apprentice would be taught direct skills from members of staff on the key elements of effective business administration and how that could be adopted to tailor our high standards of practice.  Furthermore, we also felt that an apprentice could help take the business forward and add value.

After the interviews had taken place we decided our ideal apprentice would be Rebecca Ryan.   Becky accepted the opportunity to become part of the team at FSL earlier this year and after she had settled in, we asked her about her new role and this is what she had to say:-

How have your first few weeks been?
“I have settled in well within the company, everyone has made me feel very welcome and part of the team I am enjoying the hands on learning as I feel it benefits me to gain “on the job” knowledge and experience which is specific to Formby Surveys.”

How long have you worked for the company?
“I became a part of the team at the beginning of July 2012.”

What does your current role involve?
“I undertake a variety of administration tasks including:-

• Assist in typing and compiling tenders in the appropriate format and following the process through to commission.
• Chase tenders and maintain accurate records of tender stages.
• Raise jobs according to the system in place and ensure that these are processed and given over to the operational side of the business.
• Arrange on site access for jobs as required by the Survey Manager and ensure all the relevant information is communicated to the Survey Manager to ensure that surveyors have no issues when on site.
• Archiving of jobs once they are completed – ensuring all of the appropriate paperwork is contained within the job folder.
• Compile all items for posting including packaging as well as opening and distributing incoming post.
• General phone answering, screening and routing of calls.”

What qualifications will you earn as part of your apprenticeship?
“Once I have completed my apprenticeship I will achieve NVQ Level 2 in Business Admin, Key Skills (I.T, English & Maths) and a technical certificate.”

What are your hopes in terms of future progression?
“I hope that once I complete my NVQ Level 2 I will get the opportunity to progress onto Level 3.”

Becky can be contacted on 01704 831 482 or rebecca@formbysurveys.com