DVSA launch an apprentice scheme for new entrants

Sajan Bhako tells us about the exciting new apprentice scheme at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

In January we launched our new apprentice scheme for all the new apprentices who joined DVSA since September 2016.

Over 40 apprentices attended the induction event, which included a talk from Paul Satoor on the future direction of the DVSA and also a guest presentation from Oliver Morley, Chief Executive of the DVLA, who acts as the Department for Transport’s Apprenticeship Champion.

The highlight of the event was perhaps a session run by two former apprentices, Alex Le Peltier and Emily Challacombe, who recently completed their apprenticeships and achieved promotion within their teams. Together they gave a candid account of their experiences throughout their apprenticeships and the various challenges they faced, giving advice to the new recruits as they start their new roles.

Overall, the message for apprentices was a positive one. The scheme itself has been introduced to provide more support for them when they join, but also to work towards their ongoing development.

The day ended with an open session to discuss the kinds of things they would like to see within the scheme, and consider other ways in which we can engage with apprentices and give them as many opportunities as possible to participate in a whole range of activities outside their roles.

Following the success of the induction and the positive response from those involved, the group of apprentices have been divided into smaller cohorts who will meet every three months for similar sessions.

The first of these meetings will take place during National Apprenticeship Week at the start of March, when we’ll also be running a host other activities and showcases including a workshop with line managers, drop-in sessions with learning providers and a number of stories and blogs featuring our wonderful apprentices!

You’ll find some comments below from people who attended the event.

Carlo Bortoloni, Training and Development Solutions Lead said:

“I’m impressed by the amount of apprentices who have come today and made the effort to be here, it’s not easy for some with having to travel. I thought Alex and Emily’s talk was really helpful – they were extremely humble, but they’ve put a lot of effort in. Everyone else can take from it that the opportunities are there but you’ve got to take them as well. I’m really excited to be in my new role to work with the apprentices, there’s a real buzz.”

Emily Challacombe (former apprentice) said:

“The day has been really well organised and well structured. It’s been a great chance to speak to people from the different parts in the organisation, people who you wouldn’t have chance to speak to otherwise. If someone is usually nervous about meeting others, then this day has helped dispel those nerves.”

Rachel Thomas, Administration Officer (apprentice since November 2016) said:

“It’s been really good. It’s been interesting to meet people from our organisation who are in the same boat as me doing an apprenticeship. Really useful to compare our experiences.”

Are you interested in a career with DVSA? Please click here.

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.