Success Stories: Callum Clamp, Level 2 Customer Service

“I first wanted to get into hospitality and customer service as my GCSE teacher said I would be suited to front of house. I started off as a volunteer at Saltram Park Café two years ago and then got offered the opportunity to join the team as an apprentice”.

Callum Clamp has just completed his Level 2 Customer Service apprenticeship through Skills Group at the stunning Saltram Park Café. When we caught up with him he had recently received the brilliant news that he had passed his End Point Assessment and therefore was newly qualified!

“I wanted to achieve the qualification to progress further in the industry; in hospitality it is important to make yourself stand out to get ahead. As Saltram has plans to develop, including investment in its café, I hope my qualification will now help me to take on more responsibility.

“My day to day role here is very varied – as well as the café, I work in the tea room and shop when needed too. I enjoy being on the ice cream stand and am looking forward to the summer holidays! I also helped to train an apprentice who works in the kitchen, which shows how confident I feel in myself and my job.

“I’ve made new friends through the apprenticeship and even work alongside some existing ones at Saltram, so coming to work is always enjoyable. I’d like to continue to develop my skills here and then perhaps travel – the good thing about customer service is that I can work anywhere! My advice to anyone wanting to start an apprenticeship would be to try your best, keep calm and go for it!”

Congratulations Callum for your achievements!

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School