At CU Phosco, apprenticeships are more than just a training programme—they are the foundation for building the next generation of skilled professionals.
For National Apprenticeship Week 2025, Operations Manager Andy Kay shares his insights on guiding apprentices, keeping them engaged, and ensuring their success in the workplace.
How do you balance giving guidance whilst allowing apprentices to learn from their own mistakes?
My advice to all apprentices is simple: at the beginning, you may feel like you’re of little assistance to the tradesperson you're working with. That’s perfectly normal. However, if you show a keen interest, ask plenty of questions, and demonstrate a willingness to learn, you’ll quickly earn their respect and engagement.
Mentorship is a two-way street—if you show enthusiasm, the experienced team members will be more inclined to teach you.
In the early days and weeks, our focus is on getting apprentices engaged and comfortable in their roles. We encourage them to take on tasks without fear of criticism, while also providing constructive feedback.
Mistakes are part of the learning process, and our job as mentors is to guide them towards improvement. Anyone with the right attitude and a willingness to learn can be developed. Practice makes perfect!
How do you ensure you keep apprentices engaged and motivated?
The key to keeping apprentices engaged is making sure they know where they’re headed. We always have a plan, and we make sure they know what it is. No one likes feeling lost, so we keep them in the loop about their progress and what’s coming next.
We also mix things up—no one wants to do the same task over and over. We get them involved in as many different jobs as possible so they’re constantly learning and picking up new skills. And the big one? Letting them see a project through from start to finish.
It’s one thing to do bits and pieces here and there, but when they see the whole process play out and realise they’ve been part of it, that’s when the real learning happens. It gives them a sense of achievement and makes them feel like they’re actually contributing.
What are common challenges apprentices face, and how do you help them overcome these?
One of the biggest challenges is the transition from school or college into the real, working world. This shift comes with new responsibilities, expectations, and pressures that can be overwhelming.
To help with this transition, we provide structured guidance, set clear expectations, and encourage open communication. We also foster a supportive environment where apprentices can ask questions and seek advice without hesitation.
By gradually increasing their responsibilities, we help them to develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
How has being a mentor changed your perspective on your own work and leadership?
I’ve always had a strong interest in training and developing people, and mentoring apprentices has reinforced the importance of investing in others. Seeing apprentices grow into skilled professionals who can earn, build careers, and contribute to the company is incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately, the better they become, the easier my life is! A well-trained and motivated apprentice doesn’t just benefit themselves—they strengthen the entire team and make operations run more smoothly.
What’s the importance of apprentices to the business?
A few years ago, we took a hard look at our department (CU Phosco Contract Services) and realised that we were all getting older. If we didn’t start investing in apprenticeships, we would face a skills gap in the future. Apprenticeships are our way of nurturing and developing the next generation of employees, ensuring that CU Phosco remains strong and competitive for years to come.
By bringing in fresh talent and training them from the ground up, we not only secure the future of our business but also create opportunities for young professionals to build fulfilling careers. Apprentices aren’t just trainees—they are the future of our industry, and it’s our responsibility to guide them towards success.
At CU Phosco, we believe in the power of mentorship, and we are proud to support apprentices as they grow into the skilled professionals of tomorrow. With the right guidance, a willingness to learn, and hands-on experience, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.