Craig Cahill: Level 2 Warehousing and Storage Apprenticeship - Institute of Integrative Biology

After leaving school, Craig decided that he wasn’t suited to further education and wanted to do something more practical. Initially, he started a plumbing course but decided that it wasn’t for him and began to look for something else. Craig was advised by connexions of a vacancy for a pre-apprenticeship in Warehousing at the University of Liverpool and successfully applied for it. Craig said what appealed to him about the course was the reputation of the University.

The position was in the stores in the Institute of Integrative Biology. Although Craig had no previous experience in this area, he knew it was a customer facing role so it turned out exactly how he had hoped. On this programme Craig attended college one day a week which allowed him to pass his functional skills qualifications; he also received an additional first aid qualification. Craig enjoyed his college experience, as he was interacting with other people who were in a similar position which helped him to feel comfortable. He was able to build relationships and gain connections with people who may benefit him in the future.

Craig was a shy individual when he started the programme and said that it really helped him to open up. He is a lot more confident now and can communicate in a professional manner; he also feels as though it helped him to mature and become responsible. “It gave me a different outlook on life and I have changed my whole mindset as I am more positive now. With the responsibility of the programme I believe I am trustworthy and have matured a lot.” Craig made good progress and after having anxiety about being kept on the programme, he received his functional skills qualifications and in September 2015 and was offered a Level 2 apprenticeship within his department.

As part of his apprenticeship, he was placed in a team of four, they all really made him feel comfortable and part of the team, not just a junior.
Craig was supported throughout his apprenticeship by his training provider, The Skills Company. Craig said The Skills Company provided him with excellent support whether it was a quick response to an email or during face to face meetings. Craig felt he would not have achieved his level 2 without the help and support from his work colleagues and the training provider. Through the apprenticeship, Craig gained qualifications in customer service and a Level 2 in Warehousing and storage.

“I feel as though the pre-apprenticeship is a sort of taster into the working life, it allows you to become comfortable and acquire skills which you will use once you go on to be an apprentice. Although a pre-apprenticeship is a University role, an apprenticeship gives you a lot more independence and responsibility. I would 100% recommend both programmes to anybody who may be considering them, it is an amazing opportunity and I can’t stress enough the benefits of participating in these programmes and every opportunity that comes with them.”

Craig is now a full-time permanent staff member at the university doing the job that he loves.
We asked Craig how he feels about securing this position - “This is an amazing opportunity and it’s great to be part of the department. I love my job and the team of people I work with. I feel this opportunity has opened doors for me now that I have the right skills and experience to adapt to different situations I may face.”

Craig said he has definitely found his long-term career and would like to remain within the stores' team to progress and grow, gaining more responsibility and moving to more senior positions quoting “one day I might take over my manager!”