This was our first foray into the apprenticeship scheme and we were unsure of how, or if it would work but we couldn't have been more delighted!

Emily Stubbington, aged 20, and living in Honiton, started with Peter Betteridge Furnishers in February 2019.

As a team, we helped with Emily's training and development in customer services. She was involved in all aspects of the business, from front of house within the store assisting customers with linen and bedding, administration, processing online orders and providing expert advice to our customers choosing from our wide range of beds and furniture.

This expert advice was garnered from in-house training from our team, supplier's representatives and visits to our suppliers' factories to witness how such premium beds are made.

Emily was in constant communication with her apprenticeship advisor, Elisa, who came to the store on a monthly basis to assess Emily's progress. Every time that Elisa came to the store, she was extremely happy with her progress, not just with her course, but also with how well she was doing with Peter Betteridge.

We knew that Emily would be awarded with a Distinction because of how well she acquitted herself and we were delighted that she finally got her award. We had no hesitation, once her course was finished, to offer her full-time employment and she is an invaluable member of our team at Peter Betteridge.

For any company that is considering an apprentice, I would truly recommend it. Emily's Apprentice Scheme Provider, Focus Training Group, supported both Emily and Peter Betteridge fully through the whole of the scheme.

With the current pandemic, it is crucial that we offer our local youngsters a route into employment that also provides training and hopefully a secure future.

What Emily had to say...

I started my apprenticeship during February 2019. This was my first position as an apprentice and I was looking forward to both earning and learning on the job.

Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I had completed my A Levels and had a Saturday job working as a customer service assistant. Upon the completion of my A Levels, I didn't have a secure career path in mind and was really unsure as to how I wanted to proceed – Do I go to University? Do I have a gap year? Do I apply for full time employment?

As I was unsure as to which path to take, I decided to have a more open mind to see what was out there. I knew that I enjoyed working with people, developing my knowledge through education and earning a wage so I knew that I wanted my next step to involve these aspects.

When I came across the opportunity being advertised for a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner with Peter Betteridge, I began to compare what I wanted out of the experience and what was being offered.

Fortunately for me, the position provided me with all aspects of interest. After having an interview and carrying out a day's induction, I was informed that my application for the position had been accepted.

I was delighted with the news and very much looking forward to getting stuck into my role. As part of the apprenticeship scheme, I was required to complete work booklets in relation to my role and participate in internal and external training opportunities.

Through having these opportunities given to me, it really developed my confidence and enabled me to grow within my role. In just the first few weeks of my apprenticeship, I realised that this style of learning really complemented the style of learning that I enjoyed.

The apprenticeship scheme that I was a part of took 12 months to complete – monthly meetings with my apprenticeship advisor and completion of the work booklets meant that I was able to progress through and complete the full course within the time frame.

In order to be fully certified, an observation assessment was required in order to finalise my work and produce a final grade for my apprenticeship.

Due to the lockdown, my observation assessment could not take place and therefore other means of assessment was used. After months of hard work, I was finally awarded with a Distinction and became a certified Customer Service Practitioner.

I was over the moon with my result and so were my colleagues.

Since the completion of my apprenticeship, I was offered the role of a Customer Service Assistant (specialising in Website Sales) within the same company. I was delighted to be offered this opportunity and I accepted straight away.

Although there are two stores location in both Honiton and Kingsbridge, we are all a part of a family who work together and support each other and it was something that I wanted to remain a part of.

I feel so grateful that I came across this position and if anyone of any age is unsure what path they would like to take, I would definitely recommend considering an apprenticeship as there are so many options out there that can cater for all your interests. In regards to my position, I feel that it was meant to be.