The South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network is pleased to welcome Max McGarvie and Chris Davies into new roles in the region
After recently interviewing a number of candidates for the vacant Apprentice Chair role in the South East, the network is really pleased to be able to offer, not one – but two(!) roles to help us grow the network and champion apprenticeships across the region.
Max McGarvie, is the new Apprentice Chair
Max works for Zenopa, an SME specialist recruitment agency, based in High Wycombe that has really embraced apprenticeships as a way to upskill new entrants and existing staff.
Max tells us about his apprenticeship journey to this point…
How did you first become an apprentice?
“I first heard about Degree Apprenticeships towards the end of year 13 after an alumni shared his experience. At the time I had always been set on going to Loughborough University due to my passion for sport. After the talk, I started to apply for degree apprenticeships in business related fields and was lucky enough to secure one with Zenopa. Once I weighed up the pros and cons of my offer with Zenopa versus university, the apprenticeship pathway was a no brainer for me, due to the experience alongside the qualification.”
Why did you want to become Apprentice Chair?
“There are a couple of reasons why I wanted to do this role. Firstly, because I think apprenticeships are great and allow individuals to gain invaluable experience at any age. But, secondly because I feel there is a gap in how students are educated on their options post-school, often with little knowledge being passed on about apprenticeships across all industries. I strive to allow school leavers to make a more educated next step and hope in this role I can change some students lives.”
Click here to connect with Max on LinkedIn.
Chris Davies, is the new Apprentice Vice-Chair
Chris is a Project Manager within the Employer Advocacy and Ambassador Network team at the Department for Education. He works directly on the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards and National Apprenticeship Week.
Chris tells us about his apprenticeship journey to this point…
How did you first become an apprentice?
“My journey into apprenticeships really started when I left 6th form, and our only careers advice was around going to university or joining the armed forces. I, like many, went to university as that was the thing to do. However, I quickly realised that my heart was not in it. I decided to leave and begin working. I ended up working for LearnDirect, where I started to hear more about apprenticeships and enrolled onto a Level 3. After moving to the Department for Education, I completed my Level 4 Apprenticeship whilst working on the communications and events team, and have now progressed to a Degree Apprenticeship in my current role.”
Why did you want to become Apprentice Deputy Chair?
“I applied for this role as I wanted to help ensure that everyone was aware of the choices that they have, whether that is when you are leaving school, searching for an alternative after university, or looking to change career. Apprenticeships have made huge strides forward in the scope of the programme, and are a real alternative for anyone who wants to improve themselves. Some of the best days I have had at work have been being able to celebrate the real life stories of amazing ambassadors in the projects that I work on, and I wanted to be a part of that journey.”
Click here to connect with Chris on LinkedIn.