Jack Barker joined Norse back in 2010 as an apprentice painter and decorator, going on to complete his Level 3 course in 2013.
He then worked as a qualified painter and decorator within NPS Humber for a few years until a job vacancy came up for the role of BMU supervisor.
After successfully winning the post, he now finds his role entails managing work, pricing jobs and organising contractors in the completion of their tasks, as well as completing his Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor course.
He also chairs BMU team meetings, is on a call-out rota for emergency board-ups every four weeks and is still very hands-on in pitching in and helping the maintenance team out when needed.
Apprenticeships provide valuable work experience and training, explains Jack, and can also highlight the importance of learning about leadership:
Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship?
I chose to go through the apprenticeship route as I have always felt it to be a great way to learn on the job and being as productive as possible.
I enjoy working within NPS Humber and Norse and my future career and development plans are to stay within the Group and possibly work my way up further into more responsible managerial roles.
What have been the biggest benefits of your apprenticeship?
I would say the biggest benefits to developing through the apprenticeship route have got to be gaining tangible work experience, as well as valuable qualifications, towards furthering your career.
An apprenticeship gives you the chance to progress further within the company that employs you or even elsewhere later on in your career.
What have been the highlights of the apprenticeship for you?
I don’t think I can pick the most enjoyable moments as, so far, I have enjoyed everything I have done!
I am still in the middle of this apprenticeship, but what have intrigued me on the course have been the leadership theories and learning how keeping everybody happy at work through leading properly can make your own work so much more rewarding.
Most recently I have been learning about different leadership styles and how these can be put into practice. Depending on the team member or task at hand I can change my type of leadership to suite, this can enable the team member to be more productive and to feel empowered to work in the way I have suggested.
Have you been well supported throughout?
Yes. Some of the challenges I encountered at the beginning included trying to get evidence for my college as at the time I wasn’t doing that type of work. But I spoke to my managers and they were quick to support me. I was given the work I needed to complete this evidence for the college.
What advice would you give to someone else considering an apprenticeship?
Don’t expect to know everything straight away – and ask lots of questions and seek support as soon as you need it.
Sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words:
Interesting, rewarding, empowering.
