“I hadn’t heard of Traineeships before I saw the advert but it immediately interested me as it was an opportunity to enter work, even if it was at a slightly lower level than an Apprenticeship. I went for an interview with Prevista and was really excited by what I saw”

After impressing in his interview Denis joined Prevista’s claims team as a trainee Claims Assistant. Denis was provided with one to one support from our Claims Team Leader, Fatema Begum. He also had the opportunity to shadow his claims colleagues and develop his own skills. Fatema explains:

“The whole team was super impressed by Denis’ work ethic and attitude. Within weeks he was processing complex claims for ESF, SFA and DWP projects”

Following his 6 week traineeship Denis was invited to apply for an apprenticeship. The opportunity to realise his ambition on leaving school. Denis was successful in his application and has been completing his Level 2 Business & Administration apprenticeship since November 2017. Denis’ apprenticeship Assessor, Karly Lattimore, reports on his progress:

“Denis has progressed superbly since starting his apprenticeship and is on track to complete ahead of schedule. We are developing his wider skills which will enable him to get a taste of roles outside of the claims team in finance, business development and marketing”

Denis’ contribution has been recognised by external organisations. He supported our strategic partner Youth at Risk to organise training for Prevista staff. Cara Rule of Youth at Risk was impressed by Denis’ contribution:

“For a young man newly in employment he demonstrated such a great work ethic, I never had to ask him to do anything, he was constantly looking for ways to support the training, using his own initiative to set up and clear up the training space to create the environment for the participants to get to work. He has a great ability to create relationship and is open to contribution to develop his skills and abilities. As someone that was there to support the training he fully utilised the opportunity to personally take on the training for himself although was always aware and present to his role, which is a skill in its self that I have seen many not master. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him and I would have no hesitation in working with him in the future”.

Our development of Denis is symptomatic of Prevista’s commitment to supporting young people to enter the workforce for the first time. Denis is incredibly positive about his experience so far:

“My experience with Prevista has been great. For me it is the people that make the difference. I get on very well with my colleagues and have been made to feel very welcome. I have learnt so much and am keen to learn more. After my apprenticeship I hope to stay on in a full time job”