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Employee Stories

Celebrating our apprentices at Staircraft: Milena's Story

At Staircraft, we are committed to developing talent, empowering individuals, and ensuring our workforce continues to deliver excellence. With the full backing of our parent company, Travis Perkins, and access to the LEAP apprenticeship program, we provide outstanding opportunities for growth and career progression.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’re sharing some of the inspiring journeys of our apprentices, those just starting out, recent graduates, and long-standing team members who have built successful careers with us. Their stories highlight the skills, dedication, and innovation that drive our business forward.

Whether you’re considering an apprenticeship, a customer interested in how we develop our workforce, or a team member looking to upskill, these stories showcase the real impact of apprenticeships at Staircraft. With industry-leading training and support, we’re shaping the future of our workforce.

Explore Milena’s journey below and see how an apprenticeship could be your next step toward a rewarding career.

Milena’s Apprenticeship Story

Business Administration Apprenticeship – Level 3

Starting the Apprenticeship 

Two years ago, my manager introduced me and a colleague to the apprenticeship program. We were both excited to start, but we had to wait a few months before applying. Eventually, I began in May and completed my final exam in September last year.

Balancing work and study

At first, I felt a lot of pressure managing my apprenticeship alongside my job. We were allocated seven working hours per week for studying, but I made sure to put in extra time each day to stay on top of deadlines. Though challenging, I enjoyed the work and was motivated to expand my knowledge.

Support System: Teachers, Managers, and Peers

Having a supportive teacher, Susan, made a significant difference. She was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small. My manager, Colin, also played a crucial role. Every 12 weeks, we had meetings to discuss my progress, and he was always there to offer guidance.

Being part of a group of five apprentices from different sites was another highlight. We collaborated closely, shared experiences, and even organised an in-person meetup, which strengthened our connections further.

National Apprenticeship Week

Key Skills Gained

Through my apprenticeship, I developed a wide range of skills, including:

  • Task Management & Organisation – Managing multiple responsibilities efficiently
  • Understanding Business Operations – Learning how different departments function
  • Collaboration – Engaging with teams outside my usual scope, such as Transport and HR
  • Problem-Solving – Tackling unexpected challenges in real-world business situations
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The Final Project: Innovation in HR

For my final project, I worked with the HR department to create an online job application form. This was a major improvement over paper applications, saving time and reducing errors. I faced challenges, especially with IT support, but I persisted, learned new digital skills, and successfully implemented the project.

Exams and Results

The final assessment included:

  • A knowledge test (multiple-choice questions)
  • A project presentation
  • An interview based on my portfolio

I studied intensively for a month, but some test questions were not covered in the program, making it more challenging. After a two-week wait for results, I was thrilled to learn I had passed! I even achieved a distinction in my interview and project, just a few points away from a full distinction overall. Such an achievement.

What’s Next?

I am proud of my accomplishment and now looking ahead to the next level of apprenticeship (Level 4). This will allow me to further develop my skills and progress in my career. The journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead. 

Interested in starting your apprenticeship journey with Staircraft? Get in touch with us or learn more about our career opportunities.  

 

 

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