As the Talent Acquisition and Development Manager at Agena Group, I am delighted to share our journey and achievements during National Apprenticeship Week 2024. Our Agena Ascend apprenticeship programme has been a beacon of talent nurturing and growth opportunities within our organisation.
This year, we proudly welcomed six apprentices and have plans to onboard an additional three in 2024. This diverse group includes Tilly and Adam, who embarked on a Level 4 Sales apprenticeship with Mercury, and Andrzej, pursuing a Level 4 PMO apprenticeship with Heart of England Training. The latest cohort which started in September includes three exceptional employees: Robyn Baker, Operations Team Leader; Stacey Dean, Mobile Patrol Team Leader; and Lisa Davey, Sales Support Team Leader. They chose the Women In Leadership Level 3 Apprenticeship, provided by Raise The Bar. This programme is a testament to our commitment to fostering diversity and empowering female leadership within Agena Group.
A unique aspect of our programme is its inclusivity. Apart from Tilly, who joined as a new apprentice, all other participants are existing employees seeking upskilling opportunities. This approach reflects our belief in lifelong learning and career development, irrespective of age or current job role. It’s an opportunity for everyone in our business.
Our Agena Ascend networking sessions, held quarterly, have been pivotal. They offer a platform for apprentices across various departments to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. The diversity in roles and stages of apprenticeship programmes makes these sessions incredibly enriching. It’s heartening to see newer apprentices draw inspiration and guidance from their more experienced peers. Also, a fully online learning and portfolio management has meant eliminating the need for travel and printing, aligning with modern, eco-friendly, and efficient learning methods.
During National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we focused on showcasing some of these stories and more. As we reflect on this week, we are reminded of the power of apprenticeships in shaping careers and lives. At Agena Group, we are committed to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. By investing in our people, we are not just shaping their futures but also the future of our organisation and the communities we serve. I look forward to continuing to support our apprentices and employees in their journeys of growth and development.
Rebecca Bawden (CertRP)
Rebecca joined Agena in 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in training and development to her role. Prior to joining Agena Group, Rebecca's career was marked by significant achievements in quality assurance and e-learning. Her expertise is particularly evident in her contributions to the Agena Ascend programme. Rebecca's attention to detail and supportive nature have been instrumental in shaping the apprenticeship programme at Agena Group, emphasising her dedication to fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth. Having recently relocated to Devon, Rebecca enjoys walking her dog on Dartmoor and has now walked the full south-west coastal path.