Trent & Dove celebrates apprentice success
At Trent & Dove, we are keen to educate the next generation of housing professionals and give them the skills they need to flourish within their chosen career.
Our apprenticeship scheme is an important way to bridge that skills gap, and we are delighted to congratulate Holly-Marie Ison, who has passed her City & Guilds Level 2 Customer Services Qualification with Distinction!
18-year-old Holly started her Business Administrator apprenticeship in July 2024, supporting the repairs team.
A big thank you to Vicky Hooton, Repairs Support Manager, and her team for the support and knowledge that Holly has gained over the last 18 months working alongside them.
Alongside her work at Trent & Dove, which included answering customer enquiries, booking appointments and much more, Holly completed six hours of learning each week.
Holly-Marie is one of eight apprentices making a difference within Trent & Dove
This work was featured in her showcase portfolio, which formed one of three sections of her apprenticeship qualification.
She also undertook a practical observation with her tutor from Burton and South Derbyshire College, as well as a professional discussion about her work.
Holly’s apprenticeship is part of a partnership between Trent & Dove and Burton and South Derbyshire College, which continues to welcome a talented stream of candidates and helps us bridge the skills gap in the housing sector.
Rachel Bassett, Head of HR at Trent & Dove, said:
“Congratulations to Holly – she has made a valuable contribution during her time with us and is a great example of the impact our apprenticeship programme can have.
“We are proud of the role we play in supporting people to develop their skills and confidence, helping prepare them for the next stage of their careers.
“Our apprenticeship scheme is crucial in developing the next generation of skilled professionals and providing them with the tools they need to flourish in the workplace.”
Holly’s apprenticeship has strengthened her customer service skills within a professional working environment.
She said: “
While I did have customer service experience in a café, this is the first time I have been engaging with customers over the phone, which is a different skill. It has also improved my organisational skills and time management. I have also been supporting new colleagues with their work.
“This was my first role in a professional environment, and it has given me a great understanding of how a workplace is run. Everyone is really nice, and I was never afraid to ask for help.”
Holly chose an apprenticeship with Trent & Dove through college, feeling she would learn more on the job rather than in a classroom setting.
She also has some advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship:
“If you want to move away from classroom teaching, then an apprenticeship is a good way to gain skills on the job while earning at the same time. It might seem scary as a school leaver, but the jump is definitely worth it.”
Please visit our recruitment webpage to find our latest roles