Meet our Apprentices!

National Apprentice Week 5th-11th February 2024 is a brilliant chance for employers to attract new talent to their industry and celebrate the achievements of current apprentices working on placements. It also gives prospective apprentices the chance to see what opportunities are available to them in the sectors they are passionate about.

In 2023, Go Ahead was named as the 5th Top Apprenticeship Employer in the UK, having hired 1100 apprentices in 2022, and we want to keep up the good work! Apprenticeship schemes are hugely beneficial for both employers and employees as they up-skill talented individuals to create a stronger and more diverse workforce and provide the apprentices with a kick-start to a blossoming career. More information about Go Ahead's apprenticeship scheme can be found here.

The theme of this year's National Apprenticeship Week is 'Skills for Life' and in light of this, we are taking the opportunity to showcase some of our wonderful apprentices across Go East Anglia.

Yasmin Norman

Yasmin is the Personal Assistant to Go East Anglia's Managing Director and Finance Director and is based in Konectbus in Norfolk.

What type of apprenticeship are you on?

Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship at GEA?

I started off as an Office Assistant for the Finance Team and worked my way up to the role of Personal Assistant. As this is the first time I have been a PA I felt like further training or an apprenticeship would work well to further my knowledge and skills specifically for my new role.

Why did you choose to go down the apprenticeship route?

After speaking to the Finance Director and discussing my options to progress within the company, he suggested completing an apprenticeship to which I happily agreed. Especially as this is something that I can take with me if I change my position.

What's your favourite thing about working for Go East Anglia?

The multiple opportunities to progress within the company. GEA certainly took a chance on me, especially having no previous experience as a PA. I am very grateful to have been give this opportunity.

What's the best means you've found of overcoming challenges?

The support network within the company has been fantastic. I have weekly meeting with the Managing Director in which I can openly express any concerns and find ways to overcome them.

What are your plans and ambitions for the future?

To continue improving my skills within my role and possibly complete more courses in the future.

 

LeVaughn Kaisa

LeVaughn is an Engineering Apprentice studying for a MechElec Bus & Coach (NVQ Level 3) and is based at the Hedingham and Chambers depot in Sible, Essex.

Prior to starting his apprenticeship at Hedingham and Chambers, LeVaughn was attracted by the prospect of practical learning whilst being able to earn money at the same time. His objective was to invest in his future and hone his skills while working towards a qualification, which is exactly what an apprenticeship at Go East Anglia offered, along with the added bonus of free bus travel. He also loves having the opportunity to attend college and meet other students on similar courses whilst working for us.

To overcome challenges, LeVaughn's advice is to always ask questions and request help and guidance where needed in order to get the most out of the learning experience and increase confidence.

To top this, LeVaughn has big ambitions for the future: 'I would like to continue with my career path and go up the ladder, possibly into management'.

Zack Cross

Zack is an Engineering Apprentice studying for Bus & Coach (NVQ Level 3) and is based at the Hedingham and Chambers depot in Clacton, Essex.

For Zack, embarking on an apprenticeship was preferable to going to university as there was more emphasis on practical learning, as well as the opportunity to earn a wage at the same time.

As well as the free bus travel (which always comes in handy!), Zack's favourite things about working for Go East Anglia are the positive atmosphere and the support network created by more experienced colleagues.

Zack welcomes the challenges that come his way so that he can push himself and develop further by asking questions and getting things done to achieve results.

In future, Zack wants to continue on his path of development and aims to be an Engineering Manager.

 

If you would like to know more about how to apply for an apprenticeship at Go East Anglia, more information is available here.