Case Study

Abzorb Leading the Way in Apprentices

Our apprenticeship programme is designed to provide real-world experience & study for professional qualifications at the same time. Robyn Cooper is a success story who joined Abzorb at 18 and two years later has now qualified as a APM Project Management Qualification, Level 6-7.  

Robyn completed her A ‘Levels at Greenhead College in Huddersfield at 18 with the full intention of gaining a place on an apprenticeship programme rather than attending university and saddling herself with debt and risking not getting a job. She wanted to join the workplace, gaining practical experience and learning on the job while studying for a qualification and getting paid.

Finding the Right Opportunity

Robyn spoke to a career’s advisor exploring various options and then actively searched for apprenticeship opportunities on the government apprenticeship scheme website. She saw an opportunity with Abzorb and decided to apply. The process was straightforward after submitting the application, she was screened for an initial assessment by the college who then referred her to Abzorb for an interview.  Robyn is a very ambitious, passionate and intelligent lady so was offered the job on the same day.

Training & Development

Robyn joined the transition team, primarily supporting large tender projects involving council and government contracts. She is involved in day-to-day management tasks and attends sales meetings, focusing exclusively on a project management role which is what she studied for. Robyn selected ‘project management’ as a career due to the diversity of the role and knew she could keep learning and developing her skill set. 

The apprenticeship programme was two years, attending college every two weeks. This structure allows apprentices to apply their learning directly to their work, reinforcing their education with practical experience.

Key Benefits & Achievements

Responsibility & Autonomy

Within 18 months at Abzorb, Robyn was given substantial responsibilities and autonomy in her role. She thrived in this environment, managing significant projects and contributing to the success of the sales team.

Qualification & Career Advancement

While the primary focus was gaining practical experience, Robyn also worked towards the professional qualification APM Project Management Qualification, Level 6-7. Combining real life work experience and a formal education positioning her ahead of many peers who chose the traditional expensive university route.

real-world experience

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship at Abzorb, it offered me the real-world experience I wanted along with responsibilities and autonomy and becoming one of the team from day one.

I am thrilled to have qualified and intend to develop my skills in project management. I am continuing to study and working towards my Prince 2 and Agile and plan to grow my qualifications as much as I can.”

Robyn Cooper
Project Manager
Abzorb

Articles

Home Grown Talent with an Apprenticeship Programme.

Matt Dykes, COO, Abzorb
| June 27, 2024