National Apprenticeship Week - our apprentices reflect on their learning journeys
To celebrate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with three CCF apprentices – Ashley Weaver, Insulation Sales Executive, CCF Birmingham ONE; Dan Snow, Regional Head of Operations – South West; and Mike Holliday, Regional Head of Operations – North.
This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’ and Ashley, Dan and Mike embody this, having all made the most of the opportunities their apprenticeships have brought to grow and develop in their careers with us.
What apprenticeship are you studying or have you completed?
Ashley: I’ve completed the Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship course which I passed with Distinction.
Mike: I passed Level 5 - Operational Management with Distinction last year and I’m already onto the next course! I’m currently working towards my Level 3 - Safety, Health and Environment Technician.
Dan: Likewise, I’m also onto my second apprenticeship with CCF. Having recently completed the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager qualification, like Mike I’ve recently started a Level 3 Safety, Health and Environmental Technician apprenticeship.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through your apprenticeship?
Dan: I’ve learned how to apply learning directly to real work situations, as well as improving my leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ashley: For me, one of the biggest things was learning what my weaknesses are and how to turn these into strengths through monitoring my personal development.
Mike: Beyond technical skills, I’ve gained confidence and responsibility, as well as improving my communication and problem-solving skills. I think the biggest lesson though was learning how to learn on the job, how to take feedback positively, reflect on it and turn it into something positive to continually improve. Those habits stay with you for life.
What’s the next step on your learning path?
Mike: I’ll use my apprenticeship as a launchpad to support my long-term career, whether that’s progressing to more senior roles or further education. The key is to keep learning and saying yes to opportunities that stretch you. I try to measure my progress by how often I step outside my comfort zone; that’s where real growth happens.
Dan: My next step is more of the same - to continue developing my knowledge and experience in the areas of leadership, compliance and health & safety management, which will allow me to further progress my career.
Ashley: My aim is to use my team leadership abilities to better support my team and the business so we can succeed together.
And finally, what’s the one thing you’d say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Dan: Quite simply, go for it! I’d recommend an apprenticeship as a great way to gain recognised qualifications while developing practical skills and experience in the workplace.
Mike: I agree, you get to earn while you learn, gain real experience and grow in confidence by building skills that employers truly value. You’re not just studying for the future, you’re already working in it. There’s no single path to success, and an apprenticeship can open doors to a rewarding career.
Ashley: To succeed in an apprenticeship, it’s important to be fully dedicated to your course and put the work in, but I’d also say make sure you take advantage of the support available from the wider business as that will help you succeed.
They make an inspirational trio - we’re proud of all they’ve achieved so far and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them all.
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