Twenty one will continue with employment within the organisation.
Among them was Tom Hearnden who lives in Tunbridge Wells and attended St Gregory’s Catholic School. He completed an Autoglazing Apprenticeship and now works out of the local fitting centre.
In celebration of their achievements, the Group CEO Kevin Spencer and the HR & Talent Development Director Tanya Gerrard-White hosted a prestigious graduation ceremony lunch at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday week (July 18).
The apprentices, many from Auto Windscreens, were applauded for their overall success, before three special prizes were presented to those who ‘demonstrated enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to their development throughout the award-winning programme’.
Some of the graduates completed an apprenticeship which included undertaking an NVQ level 2 in Automotive Glazing. It also involved training in repair and fitting of windscreens as well as customer service and skills such as time management to enable them to take on roles as mobile technicians. Others completed Customer Service Apprenticeships over the 12 month period.
Auto Windscreens Technician Sam Cox was crowned Apprentice of the Year 2018, while Millie Madin, a Group Contact Centre Process Co-ordinator, and Jack Meazza, another Auto Windscreens Technician, received Special Commendation awards.
Tanya Gerrard-White commented: “Our ALEX apprenticeship programme enables us to build a legacy for the future and I’m proud of these young people who have chosen to earn while they learn with Markerstudy.
“With their positive attitude and increasing skills, knowledge and experience I’m sure they will continue to excel during their careers.”
Markerstudy Group’s ALEX initiative is now in its third year and is fully endorsed and regulated by OFSTED, with inspectors highly commending the programme earlier this year.
Previous graduates have gone on to have successful careers and 25 undergraduates are already in place for the 2019 ALEX apprenticeship starting in September.
What is ALEX?
THE ALEX (Apprenticeship Learning EXperience) programme, which received a glowing OFSTED inspection result earlier this year, is designed to provide apprentices with key skills and knowledge through a variety of e-learning and face to face training.
Along the way, apprentices learn much needed computer skills such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint training and qualifications, as well as customer service, leadership and management, project management, time management, and presentations training.
Designed to kick start careers for those that have opted not to do a university degree, ALEX offers an alternative route to both an academic qualification and a career in a large, well-established company.
There are no formal qualification requirements to enter the ALEX programme, but candidates do have to demonstrate drive, a positive attitude and a desire to succeed.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED…
People can apply for ALEX apprenticeships through the government apprenticeship portal or through Markerstudy Talent Acquisition team:
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
