Olivia Anderson (18) and Alicia Higgins (17) have joined Chesterfield-based UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) as apprentices.
Olivia, from Chesterfield, is a former Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School student and is undertaking a Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship with UKATA. In her work-based learning role she will be working in both the Brand Development department and Events & Marketing, assisting in the management of UKATA’s social media channels and wider marketing activities.
Olivia explained: “I really enjoy creative thinking – coming up with a solution that’s a little more out of the box. I’m of a generation that has grown up with fast-growing technology and social media, so marketing is something that I’ve always been exposed to. It made perfect sense to combine these things and go for the apprentice position with UKATA.”
She added: “All of the staff have been lovely – I immediately felt comfortable with the team and my days are flying by. I’ve been made to feel so welcome and couldn’t really ask for more. I’m really excited to learn and grow with the organisation.”
Alicia, also from Chesterfield, is a former Netherthorpe School student. She is undertaking a Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship. Within her new role as a Membership Assistant at UKATA, Alicia will be supporting the membership department in liaising with and supporting UKATA’s members and associates nationwide.
Alicia commented: “UKATA’s objectives are so important and incredibly interesting, I’m really glad to have been able to secure a role with the organisation and embark on my goal to undertake a Business Admin apprenticeship. I love how much there is to learn at UKATA – I’m never bored!”
She added: “Everybody at UKATA is very friendly and professional and I’m really enjoying it. The professional environment is great to be in and the personal development involved with the apprenticeship is exactly what I’d hoped for.”
UKATA is one of a number of Apprentice Ambassador companies in Chesterfield that are committed to working together to promote apprenticeships in the town.
UKATA’s Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans welcomed Olivia and Alicia to the UKATA team and their new roles, saying: “We are passionate about apprenticeships and using them to develop people. I started my career as an apprentice, so I understand first-hand the very real benefits they bring to both a business and to the people who choose to undertake them.
“Olivia and Alicia are a great fit for the UKATA team; we’re excited for their future with us.”
Published on Wednesday 4th December 2019