Building for the future with apprenticeships
In 2020, Sodexo UK and Ireland launched its first formal technical apprenticeship programme, designed to create the engineering skills needed in the future of the Facilities Management industry. Hear how the first cohort of apprentices have already started to make their mark on the business.
For Francisco Calero Torija, the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and its adverse effects on the business marked the beginning of a journey into a new career, as an apprentice maintenance engineer.
Francisco, what were you doing before your apprenticeship?
“I first joined Sodexo as Food Service Assistant at GSK House back in 2015, and I was promoted to team leader in 2019. I was only few months in role when the pandemic started, and I was placed on furlough. Unfortunately, in October 2020, I was made redundant.
“During my consultations I asked for the possibility of starting an apprenticeship with the technical team at my site. I was told there was a possibility, but I had to wait until January.
“I knew Sodexo could bring me the opportunity to do what I really liked for my career, so I decided to apply for a position in the housekeeping team in the meantime to remain in the company.
“After two months, I was contacted by my consultation manager asking if I was still interested in the apprenticeship, and of course I said yes. A few weeks later, I was successful in an interview, and I was able to begin a career that I had wanted for so long”.
Why did you choose to become an apprentice within Sodexo?
“Working for Sodexo all these years has taught me that the company cares for its employees, and give the opportunity to develop and grow. It has been great from the start, and luckily, I have a skilled team willing to teach me, and they’re really approachable.”
What does it mean to you to be a Sodexo apprentice?
It means I will have the opportunity to achieve a successful carrier in hard services. I also feel valued, and excited about the skills and knowledge I’ll receive thanks to this apprenticeship.
“My induction has been great. My manager, Dan, has been taking care of me, assisting me through the process and helping with all my questions. I have felt welcome and supported from the beginning.”
What do you think are the key skills you will develop throughout your apprenticeship?
“As well as technical knowledge and learning how to diagnose faults, I am developing transferrable skills such as problem-solving, team co-operation, attention to detail, time management, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure”.
While the technical apprenticeship programme brings an exciting prospect, there are many more options for budding learners. Francisco’s story shows us that an apprenticeship can be a great way to navigate through uncertainty, prepare for a new career, or bolster existing skills.
Joanne Harris, senior programme manager in Service Operations, who has recently joined Sodexo, acts as ambassador for Hard FM / technical services in UK and Ireland.
Joanne says that her own career journey makes her new role all the more rewarding: “Since I started my career as a maintenance apprentice, I have been driven to deliver the best maintenance and continuously improve. During my time at Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), and working with Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) as a volunteer, I have written many best practice guides which allowed me to pass on my passion for improving maintenance. But now with the opportunity to influence the next generation of engineers, it a dream come true.”
Sodexo’s head of apprenticeships, Sue Davison believes that the new programme will not only deliver for individuals, but benefit our clients and consumers of the future: “It so important that all our colleagues have the skills knowledge and understand the behaviours needed to allow them to be their best that they can be at work.
"Engineers are so important to our future client offer - keeping the lights on and the workplace in a good state of repair with fresh air and warmth is critical as we look forward to a new normal, providing clients with the confidence that their employees are in safe in hands."
“The technical apprenticeship programme is so very important to us, and I’m committed to ensuring our apprentices will be mentored and developed to be the best in class!”
With Sodexo apprenticeships, anything is possible.
To find out more about Sodexo’s apprenticeships, keep an eye out for opportunities on our Careers site, or contact apprenticeships.uk@sodexo.com.