Posted 03/02/2020

National Apprenticeship Week 2020

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week we caught up with Jessica*, Apprentice Customer Services Officer working in Swan's Neighbourhoods Team to hear more about why she chose a modern apprenticeship.

What attracted you to an Apprenticeship?

"I always preferred the idea of on-the-job training. The idea of helping others within the housing sector appealed to me, and once I found the Apprenticeship for Swan in the Neighbourhoods Team, I was sold!"

Why did you not want to go to university?

"I thought about University, however the idea of working while learning appealed to me more."

How do you spend a typical day?

"During a typical day I answer queries from residents both by email and telephone. I carry out telephone duty cover three days per week. I make sure our monitoring spreadsheets are kept updated: these include the Overdue Gas & Electric Servicing records which is a vital document because it is important that our residents' homes are safe.

I support the Neighbourhood Team by sending information letters to residents, requesting tenancy files from storage, arranging visits, accompanying estate inspections, liaising with other departments and Axis, Swan's Repairs Partners and helping wherever I can.  I am also a Swan Staff Engagement Champion which means I encourage my colleagues to take part in events that Swan put on for their staff.

I receive coursework on a monthly basis and I try to keep up to date with this."

Why did you choose to work at Swan?

"A friend recommended working for Swan. They told me that it is a great company to work for. I then did some more research and applied for a position."

What advice would you give to someone who is about to complete their A levels and considering an Apprenticeship with Swan?

"You need to stay focused, have the drive to make a difference within the community and the overall organisation, attention to detail is key.

We work hard and play hard."

What has been your highlight while working with Swan?

"I was nominated for an Employee Award at Swan's Annual Award Ceremony. I won Runner Up in the "Best Newcomer" category. I feel that all my hard work so far is really appreciated I have been given the opportunity to progress further and am so pleased that my daughter will see me as a role model."

*Name has been changed