Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2023.
Durham Lifting recognises the value of apprenticeships and celebrates the contribution, progress and professional development of Sales Administrator apprentice Olivia Gardiner.
Durham Lifting is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2023 and recognising the valuable contribution apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider lifting industry.
This year, the company is especially proud to highlight the progress of Sales Administrator apprentice Olivia Gardiner, whose enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment have made her a valued member of the Durham Lifting team.
Learning through real workplace experience
Apprenticeships combine structured study with practical experience, allowing people to develop valuable skills while contributing directly to the business in which they work.
Recognising the value of apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of apprenticeships across the United Kingdom. It brings together employers, training providers and apprentices to highlight the opportunities created through vocational education and workplace learning.
Apprenticeships give people the chance to gain recognised qualifications while developing practical experience in a real working environment. They also allow employers to support new talent and build skills that reflect the needs of their business.
For Durham Lifting, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to invest in people, share industry knowledge and create clear routes into long-term careers.
Learning in the workplace
Apprentices develop practical knowledge by working alongside experienced colleagues and contributing to everyday business activities.
Working towards a qualification
Structured learning supports professional development and helps apprentices understand the wider principles behind their role.
Building a long-term career
Apprenticeships create a strong foundation from which people can continue developing their skills, confidence and responsibility.
Olivia’s role at Durham Lifting
As a Sales Administrator apprentice, Olivia supports the commercial team and contributes to the day-to-day communication and organisation required to serve Durham Lifting’s customers.
Her role provides exposure to several areas of the business, including customer enquiries, sales administration, supplier communication and the coordination of information between departments.
This experience is helping Olivia develop a detailed understanding of Durham Lifting’s products, services and customer requirements while strengthening the administrative and communication skills required for her career.
Build industry knowledge
Developing an understanding of lifting equipment, services, customers and the wider industry.
Contribute to the team
Assisting colleagues with sales administration, communication and the organisation of customer requirements.
Engage with customers
Building confidence through direct interaction with customers, suppliers and industry partners.
Develop professionally
Applying new skills, accepting greater responsibility and working towards long-term career goals.
Putting learning into practice
National Apprenticeship Week provided an opportunity for the Durham Lifting team to acknowledge Olivia’s hard work and reflect on the progress she has made within the business.
It also gave Olivia the chance to take part in additional learning and development activities beyond her normal responsibilities.
Experiences of this kind are an important part of an apprenticeship. They allow new knowledge to be tested in practical situations and help apprentices build confidence when dealing with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
Representing Durham Lifting at the SpanSet open day
One of the highlights of the week was Olivia’s attendance at the SpanSet Ltd open day, where she gained further product knowledge and had the opportunity to engage directly with customers, suppliers and industry professionals.
A positive impression at the SpanSet open day
During the SpanSet Ltd open day, Olivia represented Durham Lifting with professionalism and enthusiasm.
The event allowed her to speak with customers and suppliers outside the usual office environment, develop her understanding of lifting products and experience how relationships are built across the wider industry.
Olivia’s communication skills and positive approach made a strong impression on those she met. It was a valuable opportunity to apply her learning in a professional setting and demonstrate the progress she has made in her role.
Developing confidence and responsibility
One of the most important benefits of an apprenticeship is the gradual development of confidence. As knowledge and experience increase, apprentices become more comfortable making decisions, communicating with customers and taking responsibility for their work.
Olivia has approached each new challenge with commitment and a willingness to learn. Her contribution to the team continues to grow as she builds her understanding of the business and develops her professional skills.
Durham Lifting is proud of the progress she has made and appreciates the hard work she brings to her role each day.
Olivia is a great example of the value apprenticeships can bring, combining structured learning with enthusiasm, practical experience and a growing contribution to the Durham Lifting team.
Investing in future talent
The lifting and engineering sectors depend on skilled and capable people. Supporting apprenticeships is one way businesses can help develop the next generation of professionals and protect important knowledge for the future.
Apprentices also bring fresh ideas, energy and new perspectives into established teams. With the right support, they can quickly become valuable contributors while developing the skills required for long-term success.
Employers have an important role in creating the right environment for this development. This includes providing clear guidance, meaningful responsibilities and opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues.
Supporting Olivia’s continued development
Durham Lifting looks forward to continuing to support Olivia as she progresses through her apprenticeship and develops further within the business.
Her dedication, customer service skills and willingness to learn have already made her an important part of the team.
National Apprenticeship Week 2023 provides the perfect opportunity to thank Olivia for her contribution and recognise the commitment she has shown throughout her training.
Building skills, experience and careers.
Durham Lifting is committed to developing its people and supporting the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to serve customers across the lifting industry.