LOVING THE LEARNING

During National Apprenticeship Week, we’re focusing on some of our veteran employees who are adding valuable qualifications to support their military background and skills, by undertaking an apprenticeship.

People just like Ben Smith; a Training Area Operative at Wyke Regis Training Area who is currently studying a two-year apprenticeship in Level 4 Facilities Management.

Here’s what he has to say…

Pictured above: Ben Smith, Training Area Operative at Wyke Regis Training Area in the South West.

“Having joined Landmarc from the Royal Engineers, I really felt that I found my niche; a place where I could put my all my years of experience in the Army to great use on the Training Estate.

“It’s a role that sees me helping to facilitate the training of other ‘Sappers’ as they prepare for deployment – just like I experienced when I was part of the corps.

“But I’ve always believed that it’s important to keep progressing, to better myself and to learn new skills.  And, although you are given lots of support when you leave the Army with retraining opportunities, I really wanted to gain a recognised qualification that would stand me in good stead for civilian working life.

“So when Landmarc offered me the chance to study for the Level 4, Facilities Management certification, I literally jumped at the chance.

“I’m just starting out on my two-year course and I’ve had lots of people ask me how I juggle the demands of a busy, active day job with my studies.  The great thing about working here at Landmarc is that I don’t have to make that compromise.

“I’m given time off during the working week to study and, I also have mentors that will guide me through some of the aspects that I’ve had less exposure to, such as finance and budgeting skills.

“The Royal Engineers certainly equipped me with some valuable skills for my future career – but now I’m at Landmarc, I’m being given the opportunity to further my own professional development and gain a qualification at the same time!”