YEOVILTON LIFE: Serco apprentice becomes chief exec for the day!

SERCO apprentice Ellie Robins found out first-hand what it is like to run an international services company when she spent a day shadowing group chief executive Rupert Soames as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Ellie, 20, is a business administration apprentice on Serco’s contract with the Ministry of Defence at RNAS Yeovilton and she travelled to London to take the opportunity to experience a day in the life of Rupert.

“The day was high speed and very interesting,” she said. “Sitting in a room with Rupert and some of his team makes you want to learn and understand so much more. It’s amazing how much you can learn from listening to such experienced people. It was a very inspiring day.”

Ellie started her one-year Level 2 apprenticeship last June after spending several years working as an event horse trainer.

She said: “I left school with GCSEs and when I wanted a change in career I realised I didn’t have any other relevant qualifications, so I felt an apprenticeship was the best route for me.

“I don’t go to college; I learn at work each day so I don’t really feel like an apprentice, more like an employee like everyone else. Coming into a company like Serco there are opportunities for progression and I really hope I can develop my career here.”

PHOTO – TOP: Apprentices Ellie Robins and Jordan Lovesey.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Serco chief executive Rupert Soames takes a “selfie” with the two apprentices.

Ellie is also part of a team of ambassadors from across Serco who are taking part in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2015 – a national challenge to find the UK’s apprentice team of the year, support by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Now in its fourth year, the Brathay Apprentice Challenge tests apprentices on their team building, leadership, logistical and communications abilities in a series of challenges including awareness raising and community projects.