Meet Transport Admin Manager Helen as she explains how apprentices are supported within DFRS

Transport continues to support apprenticeships as an investment in the future of the organisation. They are an effective way of acquiring the exact skills required within the team and the wider organisation, enabling apprentices to gain qualifications in their chosen area, such as administration, and identifying their future potential to benefit the organisation. With demonstrable skills, ability and a growth in confidence, two Transport apprentices have been retained by the Service, and have achieved promotions within other departments. 

The role of the Transport Apprentice helps to support the capability and contributes to the smooth functioning of the department.    

Apprentices are effectively a blank sheet, ready to learn and supporting them in the early stages takes time, requires patience and with so many questions they test the manager’s knowledge of the organisation! The manager needs to brush off their training skills and be prepared to adjust the speed of the on-the-job training programme to suit the apprentice.

They all need support, and before an apprentice joins the team, have a clear plan about what they will be doing, be available for them, be patient, no question is a silly question and provide them with what they need to succeed, whether it is the benefit of your experience or that of the wider team. 

From a manager’s perspective it is rewarding to see an apprentice grow in self-belief, acquire new skills and qualifications and ultimately be on their journey to fulfilling their future potential, hopefully within Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS).