Name: Steven Huggett
Company name: United Living
Job Title: Commercial Manager, Property Services
A great way to future proof your business and keep everyone motivated
Future proof your business with apprenticeships
Working in the ever-evolving construction sector, United Living’s commercial manager Steven Huggett knows exactly how vital apprenticeships can be to business success.
“The construction industry is always changing. We are now doing a lot more design and build projects, which involves a more highly skilled workforce than we've had to employ in the past”, Steven says.
Finding high-quality individuals to meet these new industry demands is a challenge, Steven explains. “The extensive skills shortage across the industry causes problems. Finding, retaining and motivating the right people is difficult.”
Apprenticeships are invaluable
This is where University of Greenwich apprenticeships prove invaluable, he says. “Through these apprenticeships, people feel that the company has invested a lot of time and effort and really care.
“We have a policy of trying to internally promote where we can. And by taking on good quality apprentices, we can allow them to progress through the business. It's good for all aspects of the business and helps us keep our workforce really motivated.”
Steven is quick to point out that it’s not only new hires that can benefit from doing apprenticeships. “Apprenticeships also allow our other existing employees to upskill as well,” he says.
Close links with the University of Greenwich
Steven is proud to be a University of Greenwich graduate, along with a number of his United Living colleagues. He was keen to highlight the close working relationship between the two organisations. “The University of Greenwich has been really good for both United Living as a business and for our individual apprentices,” he says.
“We have regular meetings with the university, and we always get good feedback on how our apprentices are progressing. It’s a really easy process.”
Aligned with our values and goals
United Living have a clear sense of their values and goals, Steven says, and it’s crucial that all staff are aligned with them. “This is another big advantage of apprenticeships,” he says. “You know from day one that you’re getting someone who will be a natural fit with other team members, and who can really add something positive.”
A good example of a successful apprenticeship
“Our apprentice Charlie is a really good example of how successful apprenticeships can be. Since joining us, he’s already been promoted a couple of times and is advancing through the business. Charlie’s now running and managing projects all by himself, which is a great testament to him,” says Steven.
How to make the most of apprenticeships
Steven has some words of advice for any other organisation that may be considering apprenticeships. “They’re a great idea. Apprenticeships allow us to future proof our business. So, take some time to think about where you want your business to be in the future and what kind of people you need to take you there. Imagine the difference you could make by taking on staff that are keen and enthusiastic, and then giving them the space and support to develop and succeed.”
Pictured: Steven Huggett and Greenwich apprenticeship graduate Charlie Bishop from United Living.
