Celebrating one year of the Apprentice Advisory Panel

Back in December 2018, we launched our very first Apprentice Advisory Panel to give our apprentices the opportunity to influence how the scheme is run and have their say on future plans.

The idea for an Apprentice Advisory Panel was born following the success of the Partner Advisory Panel, which is made up of a collection of individuals who represent a number of our partners that we work with. Every three months, apprentices from across the south-east region who represent various trades within the industry meet up to discuss topical issues that are currently impacting Y Prentis. They are at different stages of their apprenticeship, bringing diverse experience and knowledge to the group.

Over the last year, the panel has met on four occasions. Each panel has taken a different format, giving apprentices the chance to discuss hot topics and share their expectations about the scheme with us. They have also got the opportunity to visit developments such as Interserve’s Torfaen Learning Zone and Linc Cymru’s modular construction site in Aberdare, which have provided them with an insight into new modern methods of construction.

The success of the panel is evident from what the group has achieved over the last year. Some of these achievements include:

• Revamping our code of conduct, which forms the basis of our Y Prentis mindset
• Creating an NVQ Level 2 checklist for all new starters
• Revising and contributing to our marketing collateral
• Reviewing each trade toolkit and put forward suggestions for improving them
• Critiquing our induction process, identifying areas for improvement and proposing solutions
• Changing the way we carry out our hosting reviews, ensuring that more relevant information with regards to NVQ progression is included
• Supporting the increase in apprentice wages and the introduction of a bonus when apprentices complete their NVQs

What do our apprentices think?

“Being part of the group is an amazing opportunity. The first meeting was a great way to meet other apprentices and find out other people’s opinions on how things work. The Apprentice Advisory Panel is also an opportunity for Y Prentis to give feedback on any questions that apprentices may have asked them in the past and it was great to hear the answers to these.” Charlotte Price

“I enjoyed the advisory panel. It was great to get involved, feel part of the team, have an input into matters and possibly make things even better for future apprentices. I think it’s a good idea to have a meeting like this and a great opportunity for Y Prentis to keep us in the loop with upcoming plans.” Emily Spruce

“I enjoyed meeting other apprentices and finding out about their site experiences. I would recommend Y Prentis apprenticeship scheme - at 29 I thought I’d never be able to change my career, but Y Prentis gave me the opportunity.” Shaun Lee

“I enjoyed the experience and finding out key information that will help me understand how things work. It was great to get together with other apprentices to talk about key points the scheme could improve on.” Dominic Evans

If you would like to find out more about our Apprentice Advisory Panel, please email enquiries@yprentis.co.uk