We recently teamed up with The Lightbulb to launch our apprenticeship scheme for ambitious young people looking to start their career in recruitment.

The apprenticeship scheme is designed to offer school leavers the chance to learn a range of employable skills, including sales, administration and communication.

Since the scheme started, we’ve had six apprentices join the company, across all four divisions. Here’s what they had to say about their time with Athona so far:

“The incentives are great here and really motivate everyone.”

I am really enjoying my time here at the moment, my team have been really welcoming and supportive considering it was a brand new role for me.

I feel that I have improved a lot and have had a lot of good feedback and praise from my team, I also think the incentives are great here and really motivate everyone.

I am glad to have been welcomed so warmly by my team as I was quite nervous at first, but I have settled in nicely and look forward to improving. – Charlotte, Nursing Co-ordinator

“I’m excited for what the future may bring.”

I have enjoyed my time at Athona. The team have been very welcoming and I have settled in well. They are always willing to answer questions and help me when needed. I have enjoyed learning about recruitment and how it works – I feel this could be a possible career choice for myself. I look forward to furthering my skills and knowledge with the company and I’m excited for what the future may bring. – Ellis, Client Team Administrator

“I feel excited and positive about my future in the company.”

I was a little scared going into the office on the first day, as I didn’t know anybody and I didn’t know much about the sector. However, with the friendly staff, support and training at Athona, I feel excited and positive about my future in the company.

I already feel very passionate about the education sector and I hope one day to be one of the highest billing consultants. – Jessica, Account Manager – Education

“I’m learning lots of new things every day.”

During the months I’ve been here I have really been enjoying myself and I’m learning lots of new things every day with the help of my manager Jody.

It is a lovely environment to work in and I look forward to the months to come. – Nicole, Compliance Administrator

“From the moment I walked into the office, I felt welcomed by all.”

Starting my first full-time job, it was understandable how nervous I was. However, from the moment I walked into the office, I felt welcomed by all and by the end of the week, I felt like I had known my team for months. Everyone made an effort to introduce themselves and always checked on me to see if I needed any help, no matter how busy they were.

Not only have I enjoyed meeting so many new people, but I have also enjoyed learning so many new things. I never would have imagined that I would be doing what I do now a couple of months ago. But it wouldn’t have been possible without having my team supporting me.

Athona gives constant praise for hard work and this gives us all the drive and motivation to work harder. At first I thought there would be harsh competition amongst the group, all competing to get the highest GM and the most shifts booked. However I was so wrong, never before have I seen a team work so well together, supporting each other in what they do.

I hope that in the future I continue to learn new things and grow in order to become successful. I’m always thankful to Athona. – Natalie Leach, Nursing Co-ordinator

“Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly.”

I am really enjoying working with the education team and being part of compliance. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, which has helped me settle in well! I am finding my job really interesting and am being helped by my colleagues to learn new things and build my confidence.  My hopes for the future are that I will gain experience and confidence in what I am doing so that I can become more independent. – Alice Davie, Telephone Based Administrator

Our HR team have been working closely alongside our apprentices to provide them with extra support and training. Jo and Zara said: “Our apprentices have been making a valuable contribution to our business, showing their commitment and desire to learn and progress through taking on a variety of tasks.

“We have provided a number of internal training courses to build their confidence especially in communication skills and have worked with them to take and make first calls with confidence.  Also, one-to-one coaching and personal feedback has meant that our apprentices have developed a wide breadth of knowledge and expertise in whatever role they are undertaking.

“With time given to complete their studies and meet with their assessors, our apprentices are making great headway in working towards the completion of their qualification.  Feedback from our apprentices has reinforced what a caring and supportive place Athona is to work for and our apprentices are on course to secure successful careers for themselves.”

We’re excited to watch the apprentices continue to grow their skills and gain confidence as they become comfortable in their new roles. Are you interested in a career in recruitment? Talk to us about your future:

T: 01277 217777
E: careers@athona.com