Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: "Skills for Life"

National Apprenticeship Week provides a national platform to showcase the life-changing potential of apprenticeships.

Not only do they offer a valuable alternative to traditional education but they also empower individuals to develop practical skills, earn qualifications, and gain industry experience. Not only a benefit to new starters in the world of work, but also to existing employees looking to up-skill and progress their careers.

This year's theme, "Skills for Life," perfectly captures the transformative power of apprenticeships. This 'Apprentice Wednesday', we're sharing the inspiring stories of Sabina Solinska and Lavinia Stevenson.

Sabina Solinska, Learning & Development (L&D) Administration Apprentice at Polypipe Building Products

Sabina's journey within UK Manufacturing, and her apprenticeship experience, perfectly embodies "Skills for Life."

Beginning in the Assembly department, she later transitioned to the Moulding shop. Despite initial hesitations about joining the traditionally male-dominated field, Sabina quickly found a supportive environment. Seeing women thriving at Polypipe Building Products from apprentice level all the way through to the Executive team, quickly dispelled any anxieties that she held.

The physically demanding Moulding shop initially challenged Sabina, but she soon realized the work was achievable, solidifying her belief that anyone, regardless of background, can thrive with the right skills and support.

Now pursuing her apprenticeship in Learning and Development Administration, her day to day sees her assisting with the general admin tasks required in the running of the L&D department.

She sees the increasing number of women and young people in roles we typically see occupied by older men as a testament to their strength and capabilities. Diverse perspectives, including organisational skills and resilience, contribute significantly to her professional success.

Lavinia Stevenson, Tooling Designer at Polypipe Building Products (Mason Pinder)

Lavinia Stevenson is a skilled Tooling Designer at Polypipe Building Products, where she has consistently demonstrated dedication and expertise over a seven-year career.

Starting as an Apprentice Toolmaker, she has progressed through hard work and a commitment to professional development. Recently, she successfully completed a 2:1 degree in Manufacturing Technology, specialising in Mould and Tooling Design, while simultaneously contributing significantly to major projects.

Lavinia thrives on the creative challenges and continuous learning opportunities inherent to her role. Her ability to balance demanding workloads with academic pursuits has even been recognised with several prestigious awards. In 2020, she was Highly Commended in the Polymer Apprentice of the Year Award and in 2023, she was named ‘Further Education Student of the Year’ at the G4C Generation for Change awards.

Lavinia believes in the importance of effective communication and teamwork. She emphasizes the value of seeking assistance when necessary and maintaining detailed records to ensure accuracy and efficiency. This approach has been instrumental in her success and continues to guide her professional development.

Lavinia's journey exemplifies how apprenticeships provide the "Skills for Life" needed to succeed. She has achieved professional growth and become a role model for women and other young people who may not have otherwise considered careers in manufacturing.

To find out more about career opportunities within the Genuit Group visit Careers - Genuit.