“I am very proud and happy to have achieved the highest grade, and I think it reflects the hard work I put into the qualification. It has made me want to see what my next steps are in HSW”
My name is Evie Argyle and I work in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) technical team. I support my colleagues in providing HSW guidance, support, and education, to the wider business, on a range of cross-cutting topics. I have been in the role since June 2021.
Which apprenticeship are you completed?
Health and Environment Technician Apprenticeship
Health and Environment Technician ApprenticeshipWhy did you decide to complete an apprenticeship?
I decided to complete an apprenticeship as it looked like a fantastic opportunity to join an inspiring organisation at the forefront of promoting important environmental changes and improvements.
It was something completely different to any previous education and I was intrigued as to what I would get involved in. It was an alternative less conventional route, for someone of my age, allowing me to further my qualifications whilst working and getting paid.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing is an evolving and still growing field of work and the apprenticeship has provided me entry into this exciting, influential, and rewarding profession.
What did the apprenticeship involve and how did it relate to your day-to-day job?
The apprenticeship involved three examinations the aspects of which all relate, in some way, to my day-to-day duties:
All of which were delivered virtually.
How easy or difficult was it to balance your apprenticeship work with your day-to-day work?
I joined the organisation as an apprentice, so the balance was fairly easy as priority was given to my apprenticeship. In order to complete the apprenticeship elements, I needed to get involved with a wide variety of HSW topics which allowed me to meet and work with range of contacts both within the HSW service as well as the wider business.
How have you been able to apply the skills gained in your apprenticeship in your day?
The KSBs that I have learnt during my apprenticeship have been paramount to me being able to involve myself in conversations with senior HSW specialists. It has given me the theoretical knowledge that I need to understand the legislation requirements and allowed me to develop the behaviours and skills that I now apply to the topic work that I get involved in. It has also given me the chance to build relationships with colleagues that benefit me in all the work that I conduct.
How beneficial is the Apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship has been beneficial in that it has provided me the foundations to build upon as I had no prior knowledge of Health, Safety and Wellbeing. It has helped me to develop both my technical knowledge and my self-confidence. I get regular positive feedback, about the difference I’m making, not only from my line manager but also my colleagues and the HSW leadership team. I have progressively got involved with more and more things as my understanding has improved and as I demonstrate to people that I’m competent.
What has been your main successes of the programme?
The main success that I have achieved is that I have been awarded a distinction in my final grade with an overall 88%.
I am very proud and happy to have achieved the highest grade, and I think it reflects the hard work I put into the qualification. It has made me want to see what my next steps are in HSW.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Advice I would give would just be to get involved as much as you can whilst doing your apprenticeship, especially when your new to the organisation. It’s the best excuse in the world to ask lots of questions and get exposure to a wide variety of work both within your own service but also the wider organisation.
What did Evie’s line manager have to say
Evie is the first apprentice we’ve ever had within the HSW Service. Generally, we have filled roles by recruiting from within the wider organisation. This apprenticeship has allowed us to train someone external to the organisation and to provide them an opportunity to develop. Evie joined us during the pandemic and so, from the start, has had to learn how to work remotely. She has worked incredibly hard both at her day job but also the apprenticeship and the distinction awarded to her is a justifiable recognition of this. Evie has worked collaboratively with all her team-mates which has allowed them to consequently produce better outcomes. We have encouraged Evie to get involved with as many different areas of the business as possible to help to develop her understanding but equally this has allowed cross pollination of ideas and best practice which might not have otherwise happened. We will employ another apprentice in the future but are delighted that Evie was successful in obtaining the grade 3 post we recently advertised.
