National Apprenticeship Week – We Clean Welcomes Newest Addition
We are a people business, our 525+ frontline cleaning staff are at the heart of everything we do. Personal development and encouraging employees to form genuine and long-lasting careers with our organisation is why we continue to be Accredited as an Investors In People business.
With this in mind, we are delighted to welcome the newest addition to our Head Office Team, Rajwant Kaur, Trainee Administrator who has joined us as part of a Business Apprenticeship scheme where she will be working as within our Administration Team alongside as well as continuing her education.
We sat down with Rajwant to learn more about her and why she chose we clean as the starting point for her business career…
First off, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am from Kings Norton on the outskirts of Birmingham and have always grown up in the city!
I am very family oriented and enjoy spending time with family, whether that be around the house or out for meals – and a I also love shopping with my friends!
I would describe myself as very fun, outgoing, and confident for my age.
When compared to an average 17-year-old I feel I am different in terms of wanting to go into the workplace and begin a career whereas a lot of my peers are going onto college and university.
I went to Swanshurst Secondary School where I studied Business, History, Health & Social Care, PE and Drama and I feel this gave me a good foundation for what lies ahead in my career!
What inspired you to embark on an apprenticeship?
I have always been more of a practical and visual learner with the college / university route being more theory based I decided to embark on an apprenticeship where I could put into practice my practical skills. I couldn’t see myself following a course that was purely theory based!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic I didn’t go on work experience and so I feel i missed out on this opportunity and so was keen to go into a workplace and develop further.
The fact I can gain important experience within a local business as well as earn a wage is also a big bonus.
Why did you choose we clean?
After researching the organisation, I liked the company’s values and what we clean as a business stands for. The fact it is a local business with hands on management was also a big plus as I felt that would be important as I begin my working career.
As part of me looking for an apprenticeship scheme I researched other companies and opportunities but we clean stood out and I knew I would be a good fit and things have gone really well so far.
What does your role entail within our Head Office Team and how does it support your Apprenticeship?
On my very first day I received a full induction from the we clean Training Manager Duncan Thomson whose passion for the business and the cleaning industry as a whole provided me with a great insight into the opportunities that lie ahead whilst Gaynor Powell HR Manager walked me through the company policies and procedures.
Essentially, I will be undertaking an Administration roe supporting and working closely with Rachael Peacock, Procurement and Fleet Administration. So far I have predominantly focused on learning more about the business and the importance of customer service in answering phones and emails in a very professional manner.
I have also helped transfer data across company systems as well as collate mileage for the company vehicle fleet.
All the above has aided me in my apprenticeship so far because it is helping me to improve my communication skills as I liaise with my colleagues and clients.
How do you see your career progressing and what do you hope to get out of the apprenticeship?
I certainly hope to develop firstly as a person, but also professionally In my role and I want to further my all round skills. I feel I have a good work ethic and this will hold me in good stead as I progress with we clean. It is inspiring to see so many females within the business who have furthered their careers and I hope to do the same.
My apprenticeship will last for a year which is a Level 2 Customer Service qualification and I then hope to progress onto Level 3 Business Administration and then onto Level 4 and hopefully gain a long-term, full time position with we clean.
