Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026 at Hycom
It’s National Apprenticeship Week, a time to celebrate the incredible impact apprenticeships have on both individuals and businesses. Here at Hycom, we’re proud to have supported many talented apprentices over the years, helping them grow into confident, skilled professionals.
This week, we’re catching up with two of our apprentices: Jessica Merchant and Harvey Walton. Jess completed her Business Administration apprenticeship with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association in 2022 and has since stepped into a full-time role as Office Manager. Harvey is currently completing his Quantity Surveying apprenticeship with Gloucestershire College and is gaining hands-on experience on the job.
To kick things off, we’re taking a look at Jess’s journey and how she’s progressed in her role since finishing her apprenticeship:
How has your role developed from when you completed your apprenticeship 4 years ago?
My role has developed massively since I finished my apprenticeship - whilst I am still heavily involved in product sales and customer service, I now am also involved in marketing, website development and sales reporting too.
Are there any skills learnt in your apprenticeship that you still use today?
I think I still use a lot of the skills I picked up in my apprenticeship today - if they formed a good base for me in terms of customer service and general administration skills. It also gave me a good idea of terminology, functions in spreadsheets, prioritization and delegation which are key everyday skills.
Looking back, what’s the biggest benefit you gained from doing an apprenticeship?
I would say the biggest benefit would be that it allowed me to learn all the skills I needed, whilst also giving me a chance to practice these skills in a real world environment. It acted as a great bridge to transition from years of full time education, to adjusting to a full time working environment.
Do you still feel the apprenticeship route was the right one for you?
Yes it was definitely the right route for me, and it has allowed me to enter a career I would otherwise not have been able to begin. Being a young person who is looking for their first proper job is incredibly hard, as you are competing with other people who have far more experience. An apprenticeship allows you to get your foot in the door.
In contrast to Jess, Harvey is currently midway through his apprenticeship journey. You last heard from Harvey a year ago and here’s how he’s finding things 12 months on:
What does a typical day look like for you in your apprenticeship?
I get to work at 8 o’clock, check in with all of the fitters to see how they are doing and if there is anything that I need to do to help them on site with regards to materials or any problems that arise. Then, depending on what I need to sort that day, it could take 10 minutes or the whole morning! Once they are happy and are cracking on with their work, I start preparing for any upcoming projects that we have for the weeks ahead. This can be quantifying materials and/or speaking to the customer to arrange dates and find out information about their project. I also do a plethora of other tasks throughout the day which keep my days unique.
What skills or knowledge have you learned that you didn't when we last spoke a year ago?
I feel like I am a better communicator because I have to talk to a lot more people. This time last year I was doing quotes, which was a very solitary focus - complete one task as it comes. Now I am waiting on a variety of people and multi-tasking, jumping between different projects. So I think multi-tasking and problem solving have improved. My general knowledge of the industry and how everything runs has improved massively too. I’m talking to installers on site and finding out first hand what the problems are, so I know when speaking to the customer next time.
What has been the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?
Definitely managing the workload and prioritising tasks. There is always a lot going on and what is the most important to the least can change day by day. Keeping on top of everything so we are always ahead is a big priority.
What do you enjoy most about the work you’re doing?
The variety in the work. I like that no two days are the same, and I like that there are new problems and challenges and I’m not doing the same thing day in and day out. Visiting sites is also very enjoyable.
Do you still feel the apprenticeship is preparing you for a full time role in the future?
Yes I do. I can see myself doing something like this. This apprenticeship has a lot of responsibilities, which is helpful, and I’m not being sheltered. I feel like I’m in a full time job now, only I go to college one day a week.
Has the apprenticeship changed how you see your career options?
Yes - it has definitely opened up the world of construction to me - but it’s confirmed I do like the Quantity Surveyor path..
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship at Hycom?
It's fast paced and you have to keep on your toes. My line manager, Helen Kell, helps with that, I really enjoy working with her. Helen's a lot of fun.
