The new cohort of apprentices are now over two months in and are really starting to enjoy their retail programme. TheLightBulb is delivering a variety of fun and engaging learning around topics such as stock control, the environment, diversity, health and safety and marketing for Harvey Nichols during this scheme and is proud to play a part in supporting this successful retailer’s next generation of employees.

We have already had some excellent feedback from these new apprentices and are looking forward to how they will develop throughout the programme.

Patrick Li, the Learning & Development Lead for Harvey Nichols, shared his thoughts on our partnership: “TheLightBulb has consistently delivered exceptional professionalism and offered comprehensive support throughout our apprentice programme. Their unwavering dedication has ensured that candidates successfully completed all required pre-assessments, demonstrating their commitment prior to joining the programme. Throughout the programme, TheLightBulb team has provided meticulous follow-up, conducting regular catch-up sessions with apprentices, facilitating a diverse range of training programmes, and offering invaluable guidance and assistance to mentors in navigating through all program-related documentation. These efforts have played a pivotal role in the resounding success of the programme.”

Luci Barber, 23, wanted to progress a career in customer service. She came to Get Set UK and we matched her with an employer on a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship where she could develop the skills she needed, gain work experience, earn certification and bring in a wage.

Luci was lacking in confidence and struggling to pass her Functional Skills in English and Maths. Working closely with her Learning and Development Mentor, Ellis Davis she identified the areas where Luci was struggling and worked with Tim Owen, Functional Skills Tutor to provide the support Luci needed to pass her Functional Skills and support her throughout her Apprenticeship.

With Ellis and Tim’s encouragement and expertise, Luci developed the skills and knowledge she needed which boosted her confidence and self-belief. After successfully passing her functional skills assessments, Luci went on to achieve a triple distinction in her end-point assessment and successfully secured a permanent position with her employer.

Carryanne Smith, a Teaching Assistant apprentice, was in her fourth year working in a primary school when she came to Get Set UK. She was eager to gain a recognised qualification to support her career development, build her confidence, expand her knowledge and skills, and deepen her understanding of different year groups and unfamiliar parts of the curriculum.

Carryanne’s Get Set UK Learning and Development Mentor, tailored the apprenticeship programme to fit Carryanne’s specific needs, aligning assessments with relevant training and day-to-day activities in her school. Her Learning and Development Mentor worked closely with both Carryanne and the school to ensure she received regular off-the-job training while managing the demands of her job.

Their strong working relationship, and effective communication, ensured Carryanne met all her SMART targets and completed assignments on time. She successfully achieved her Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, earning a pass and a Distinction

Danielle Russell is currently working towards a Level 3 Recruitment Consultant apprenticeship. A new mandatory qualification within this apprenticeship has been introduced and Danielle was the first person to pass this new exam!

Before taking the exam, Danielle was extremely nervous, but with the support and encouragement of Ellis Davis, her Get Set UK Learning and Development Mentor, Danielle achieved a distinction and can now progress with her apprenticeship.

After completing the exam Danielle is already seeing the benefits of the knowledge she has gained within her current recruitment role. Securing a distinction in this exam, Danielle is coming towards the end of her apprenticeship and also working towards her Functional Skills in Maths.

Ellis Davis, Learning and Development Mentor, commented: “I am so pleased for Danielle and so proud of the result she achieved, knowing how nervous she was to sit the exam. She is also close to completing her Functional Skills Maths, giving her another confidence boost in her abilities and I’m looking forward to working with her to complete her apprenticeship.”

Get Set UK is working with Essex County Council and SEATS (South Essex Advanced Technical Skills) to deliver a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship, accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). Perfect for those stepping into management for the first time or experienced professionals looking to deepen their theoretical knowledge, this programme equips learners with the skills to excel in strategic leadership roles.

Featuring a mix of virtual and in-person workshops, the apprenticeship is designed to fit around busy schedules while offering a personalised learning experience. Each workshop includes an inspiring masterclass by a distinguished keynote speaker to bring fresh perspectives and insights.

Special thanks to Iza Alberdi Salegui and Andrea Gregory for supporting our apprentices from Ambitious Essex, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Immervox.

Good luck to all our new apprentices as you embark on this exciting journey!

Interested in our apprenticeship programmes? Click here to learn more