#NAW2021 Apprenticeship Case Study: George Raggatt, Team Leader Apprentice at WestRock

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.

No matter what your career goals are, an apprenticeship can help you achieve them. At Gloucestershire College, we are developing the business leaders of the future. We caught up with George Raggatt, Team Leader at WestRock to find out how his Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor Apprenticeship has benefited both his career and his team.

Find out about George’s experience as an apprentice below.

George Raggatt, Team Leader Apprentice at WestRock

What made you choose to do a leadership apprenticeship?

I chose to do a leadership and management apprenticeship because I wanted to learn what it takes to be a great leader. Having already been in the position of team leader for several years, I wanted to ensure that I had the correct knowledge and skills behind me to continue forward in an ever-developing workplace at WestRock.

Tell us about your job role and how your apprenticeship has helped you?

I am currently managing a team of 15-20 people daily, ensuring that targets are met, operations continue smoothly throughout the day and that all customer orders are dispatched on time. This apprenticeship will help open up new opportunities for me within the business and also help guide me in where I want my future to go.

What key skills have your learnt through your apprenticeship?

I have learnt operational and project management skills, something which has benefitted my team greatly. I have been able to transfer these skills into the day to day running of the team. Having a better understanding of individuals, their role and purpose is what makes a team work.

What are your career ambitions for after you finish your apprenticeship?

My ambition is to continue onto the Level 5 Operations / Department Manager Apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College. Having already learnt a great deal of knowledge and skills through the Level 3 course, I would like to further enhance my abilities to allow myself to progress further within the business. There are always a great number of opportunities to progress within my place of work and having the knowledge and skills behind me can only help along that journey.

Would you recommend doing a leadership and management apprenticeship?

It is certainly worth doing the apprenticeship because of the benefits it can have to yourself and your team. Being able to lead your team with the newfound knowledge that you will learn is only going to help improve things in the workplace. It helps to build stronger relationships with your team, improves your management style and gives you the tools you need to work to the best of your ability.

Apprenticeships are a win-win for employees and their employers

Through embedding a culture of continual professional development within your organisation, both your employees and your business will benefit. Find out more from Jon Wood, Operations Director at WestRock Tewkesbury, who explains why apprenticeships form a crucial part of their business.

Start a leadership apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College

Find out more about our leadership programmes below:

Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship

Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship

Contact: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 for more information.

Recruit an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020,’ Gloucestershire College is committed to delivering excellence for our apprentices and employers. Our GC Business Hub team will listen to your needs and requirements and advise on the right training programme for your business. Our management programmes are ideal to develop the future leaders of your business. Contact our team today to find out more via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400.