National Apprenticeship Week: Celebrating our Apprentices

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the important role our apprentices play in supporting the day-to-day work at Disputes Mediation. Their contribution are invaluable, and they are an integral part of our team.

Choosing an apprenticeship: learning while earning

Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence and gain real-world experience that supports long-term career progression. By combining hands on learning with structured training, apprenticeships provide a rewarding route into the workplace, which are not all beneficial for individuals, but also strengthening our organisation.

As Emily explains:

“I decided to pursue an apprenticeship, rather than a college or university pathway, as it will assist me in developing real-life working skills that I will be able to use throughout my working career. I also like the fact I am receiving an income whilst being able to obtain a qualification too.”

By gaining practical experience from an early stage, apprentices like Emily are able to embed essential workplace skills quickly and effectively.

“Learning these skills at such a young age will also mean that I become more competent at them and they will be much more ingrained in me,” she adds.

This blend of education and experience helps apprentices build confidence while making meaningful contributions to our team.

building essential skills within disputes mediation

Apprentices within our team develop a wide range of transferable skills that are essential in a professional environment.

Agne Piktuizyte, one of our Level 3 Business Administration Apprentices, highlights how the skills she’s gained within her role has strengthened her communication and adaptability.

“Since working within the Disputes Mediation team, I have developed several key skills and competencies. These include strong communication skills through regular interaction with clients via phone and email, improved active listening and the ability to adapt to different communication styles and accents.”

These skills are particularly important in mediation, where clear communication, empathy and professionalism are at the heart of everything we do. Our apprentices support both clients and colleagues, helping to ensure cases progress smoothly while gaining valuable insight into the mediation process.

investing in future talent

From a business perspective, apprenticeships have proven to be a highly positive investment. Our Practice Manager Emma Smith reflects on the benefits apprentices bring, as well as the importance of supporting their long-term development.

“Employing apprentices has been a new but highly positive experience for Disputes Mediation. Having started my own career as an apprentice in 1998, I now have the benefit of seeing the apprenticeship journey from both perspectives.”

By nurturing talent, we are able to shape confident and capable professionals who understand our values and ways of working.

“Bringing apprentices into the business allows us to develop motivated new talent for the future, while giving individuals the opportunity to earn, learn and build the skills needed to begin successful careers,” Emma explains.

celebrating apprentice success

Let’s celebrate the real impact apprenticeships have had on us by highlighting one of our success stories – Rosie, who completed her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship with us.

Rosie joined us as an apprentice with a strong interest in developing practical skills while gaining real-world experience in a professional environment. She quickly learnt the processes of family, workplace, and civil/commercial mediation, as well as how to communicate with clients in line with Disputes Mediation’s standards, whilst completing her Level 3 Administration qualification.

Now, Rosie is a full-time Case Advisor who helps clients reach amicable resolutions with every call and has a positive impact on the rest of the team.

Rosie talks about the competencies and skills she has developed while being with us as an apprentice,

“I have become much more competent using IT platforms, especially the platforms that we use daily (e.g. Microsoft Teams, HubSpot, Zoho), and I am much more adaptable to situations when there are unforeseen or unexpected circumstances.”

Looking ahead

Our apprentices are more than just learners; they are valued members of the Disputes Mediation team. Their enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and commitment to development make a meaningful difference to our work, while the apprenticeship pathway equips them with a strong foundation for the future.

We are proud to support apprentices as they take their first steps into professional life and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and succeed within Disputes Mediation and beyond.

thinking about an apprenticeship?

If you are motivated, eager to learn, and ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career, then an apprenticeship with Disputes Mediation may be the perfect opportunity.

We offer hands-on, real-world experience in a supportive and professional environment. You’ll develop practical skills that will last a lifetime, gain insight into a client-focused industry and receive guidance and encouragement from a friendly, experienced team every step of the way.

We’re always keen to hear from individuals who are enthusiastic, committed to personal growth, and eager to make a meaningful contribution to our work.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Email your CV and cover letter to: [email protected]

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