Apprenticeships are a great way to gain experience in a new area of work, or use as a stepping stone into your future career
At Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, we offer a range of apprenticeships throughout our departments and we have compiled case studies from some of our apprentices past and present below.
Emily - Business and Administration Level 2
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
After getting my A Levels I didn’t feel university was the right path for me, I was keen to work and be creative. An apprenticeship is a great way to gain a qualification while going straight into working life.
What apprenticeship are you currently doing/what apprenticeship did you complete with SFRS?
I completed the Level 2 in Business and Admin whilst being based in Admin Support for 15 months.
Why did you choose to do your apprenticeship with SFRS?
I’ve always had a great interest in working within the public sector and had ambitions in college to work as a police officer or fire fighter so I felt it was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and start learning the skills required.
What qualification will you have once your apprenticeship is complete/what qualifications did you gain from your apprenticeship?
Level 2 in Business and Administration, I also gained a Level 1 and Level 2 in ICT as part of my development on top of my GCSE.
What do you gain personally from doing an apprenticeship?
I started my apprenticeship when I was 18 and I feel it’s really helped me to grow as a person, I went straight into a professional work environment from college which means I now have 3+ years’ experience in the fire service at the age of 22. I worked on the front desk which straight away helped to improve my confidence and helped me to develop key communication skills for future work. By entering into my apprenticeship after just 15 months I got a full time job working in the Technical Services department as a procurement officer, which for me was a huge achievement as I had progressed from an Apprentice to a permanent member of staff.
How have you found it working for SFRS?
I have thoroughly enjoyed working for Shropshire Fire Service. From the minute I arrived I was made to feel welcome and proud of my achievements. Everyone was fully supportive. It was a huge learning curve as I had to adapt to adult working life at a young age, however, I believe it’s given me a huge amount of experience of a very well run public service.
What three things do you like most about working for SFRS?
I would say the people, we often refer to The Fire Service as a ‘fire family’ which couldn’t be more true. Followed by this I would say the support with extra qualifications and development and finally the challenge, it’s still an emergency service at the end of the day and at times we do have to work in pressured environments, but the challenge allows you to develop as a person and improve your experience.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship with SFRS and if so, why?
Yes I would, as in my personal experience I have gained a full time job, additional qualifications and it could lead to a career for life for most individuals. It is a great starting point to enable personal development and prepare for working life.
If you have completed your apprenticeship, what roles have you gone onto afterwards within the Service and how long have you been with us?
Technical Services Officer, 3+ years.
Reuben - Business and Administration
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship because I knew that I would gain the most out of it. I knew that I needed to be in the working environment, whilst getting a qualification, rather than being in full time education.
What apprenticeship are you currently doing/what apprenticeship did you complete with SFRS?
I did a ‘Business Admin’ qualification with SFRS.
Why did you choose to do your apprenticeship with SFRS?
I was unsure as to what I wanted to do when I left school, so I had a look on gov.uk at all different kinds of apprenticeships. As soon as I saw an apprenticeship with SFRS, it immediately stood out to me. I spoke to a few friends from SFRS and other Fire Services’ and they recommended that I went for it and I wouldn’t be disappointed! They were correct.
What qualification will you have once your apprenticeship is complete/what qualifications did you gain from your apprenticeship?
I will gain a diploma in Business Administration. I would say that working throughout the community has taught me many ‘life-skills’ that you wouldn’t otherwise get from learning in a classroom.
What do you gain personally from doing an apprenticeship?
I have gained many things over my time with SFRS. I have worked with a diverse group of people both within my team, and in the community. This, alongside all the training that I have undertaken, has given me the confidence to talk easily and knowledgably about the work that I carry out.
How have you found it working for SFRS?
Working for SFRS has been an outstanding experience. I love the working environment that they created for me. I feel safe, confident and appreciated when I am at work. I have gained many working and personal relationships over my time here and I couldn’t be more thankful for them.
What three things do you like most about working for SFRS?
The three things I enjoy most about working for SFRS are:
- The People – The people who you work with make the job what it is, that is one of the top reasons I have enjoyed working here.
- The Passion – All over the service, it is clear to see are passionate about their work. Whether that’s firefighting, working with vulnerable groups and everything in between, the people of SFRS love what they do!
- The Job – Every morning when I wake up, I am glad that I get to go to work that morning. Of course there are hard days, that’s natural, but I love what I do and I feel very blessed that I get to do it everyday!
Would you recommend an apprenticeship with SFRS and if so, why?
I would absolutely recommend to anyone thinking of joining SFRS as apprentice to do it. It is a wonderful place to work where you have the opportunities that you can’t get working anywhere else.
Dru - Operational Firefighter Scheme
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
To Improve my qualifications further and to improve my career progression. To build on the skills I have already acquired and learn further in the chosen field in which I am studying.
What apprenticeship are you currently doing/what apprenticeship did you complete with SFRS?
I am currently working to complete an apprenticeship in operational firefighting.
Why did you choose to do your apprenticeship with SFRS?
I chose to follow an apprenticeship with Shropshire Fire & Rescue service as I have pursued a wholetime position as a firefighter for a few years and was fortunate enough to gain a position on the last intake.
What do you gain personally from doing an apprenticeship?
I feel that the apprenticeship has allowed me to progress into my chosen career path and I feel exceptionally privileged to be in such a position. I take pride in my achievements so far and look to add to my current experience and skills.
How have you found it working for SFRS?
In my short time with Shropshire Fire, I have found it to be a very welcoming environment and I feel I have settled in with ease.
What three things do you like most about working for SFRS?
The three things I like the most about working for Shropshire fire so far are as said before how welcome I have been made to feel joining the organisation and my watch, I appreciate the support I am given by those around me and feel comfortable to ask for support when required. I enjoy the role and the challenge each day brings.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship with SFRS and if so, why?
Yes, I would recommend an apprenticeship with Shropshire Fire, it is a great way to learn and improve on your own personal abilities whilst gaining direct experience from the workplace in preparation for a full-time role.
Shaun - Operational Firefighter Scheme
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship because I wanted a totally new career change. I knew that in order to do this, I would have to start fresh and learn a totally new set of skills and working environment.
What apprenticeship are you currently doing/what apprenticeship did you complete with SFRS?
I am currently doing the operational firefighter apprenticeship. This should take around two years to complete.
Why did you choose to do your apprenticeship with SFRS?
I chose SFRS because I liked the huge task, I knew I would be facing. There is ongoing learning throughout your whole career and every day will bring a new challenge.
What qualification will you have once your apprenticeship is complete/what qualifications did you gain from your apprenticeship?
I will gain the FFDP Qualification once my apprenticeship is complete.
What do you gain personally from doing an apprenticeship? (e.g Pride, self-confidence, work experience)
I have gained a new sense of achievement and pride in doing my job. I look forward to coming to work every time and no longer feel like I’m doing a career which I don’t enjoy.
How have you found it working for SFRS?
SFRS are great to work for. Every person I have encountered along the way has been really friendly and whenever you need some information or help, you don’t have to look far to get it. It’s a close-knit organisation and you don’t feel like a number, people remember you and will always ask you how you're finding the job.
What three things do you like most about working for SFRS?
- The close community and the team I work in
- Their ability to constantly teach you and gain you new skills
- Knowing that I can go as far as I would like in the organisation
Would you recommend an apprenticeship with SFRS and if so, why?
100%, If you want to be challenged and have a sense of achievement then I highly recommended it. There’s no age limit and as long as you're willing to learn a new set of skills, anyone can do an apprenticeship.
Emily G - Business and Administration
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
They allow you to grow and learn at the same time while working in a sector that I wanted to explore. I had other options as in university, but I liked the idea of gaining experience from on-the-job training.
What apprenticeship are you currently doing/what apprenticeship did you complete with SFRS?
Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship
Why did you choose to do your apprenticeship with SFRS?
I became aware of the different apprenticeship schemes available at SFRS, through social media platforms. Through taking interest in business administration, I thought SFRS would be the ideal place to start my career.
What qualification will you have once your apprenticeship is complete/what qualifications did you gain from your apprenticeship?
I have now completed the Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship with City and Guilds through working with SFRS.
What do you gain personally from doing an apprenticeship?
I have gained a lot personally from doing an apprenticeship with SFRS. I have grown in self-confidence, I take pride in my work and for working at SFRS by providing a supporting role to a front-line service. Gaining experience and knowledge from completing my apprenticeship and working with SFRS.
How have you found it working for SFRS?
The work can be very fast paced and demanding, and my work days vary - all of which I enjoy. I have been made to feel welcomed and feel a valued member of a team.
What three things do you like most about working for SFRS?
- I feel fortunate to be working as part of a team supporting the front-line service.
- The service is based on core set of values and this is transferred to their staff.
- My workload can vary so no two days are the same.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship with SFRS and if so, why?
Yes, I would recommend an apprenticeship at SFRS - I had great support while completing my qualification from my work colleagues, who are qualified and experienced.
If you have completed your apprenticeship, what roles have you gone onto afterwards within the Service and how long have you been with us?
I now have a permanent role with SRFS as the Training and Development Systems Administrator. Which I started in January this year. Overall, I have been with the service for over 16 months.
For more information about apprenticeships nationwide head to www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
