A day in the life of a Customer Service Advisor Apprentice

To commemorate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, we asked a couple of our apprentices to share how they got into their apprenticeship, what they’ve enjoyed about it most so far and what advice they’d give to someone looking into starting one.

To end the week, we spoke to Haiadar, one of our Customer Service Advisor Apprentices at Valda Energy.

So Haiadar, how did you find out about the Valda Apprenticeship? 

I was actually looking for a full-time job at the time and while looking, my family suggested to look at apprenticeships. From there, I searched for local apprenticeships on Indeed and found Valda’s Customer Service Apprenticeship.

Though I had no experience or understanding of business energy, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I was surprised when I saw I’d got an email being invited to the recruitment day!

What is your typical day like in your role?

I work on customer calls and live chats throughout the day, supporting customers with their general queries, concerns or issues. Each call is different, and no two days are the same. One area I especially enjoy working on is investigating issues on customers’ accounts and finding the solution.

Alongside this, I also have designated time to work on my apprenticeship coursework and log activities in my learning portfolio.

What has been your highlight so far?

It’s hard to pick just one… but getting a positive review from a customer I helped when I first started on calls was one. At the time, the customer account had some challenging queries and took some investigating to resolve them.

It was so nice to see how much it meant to the customer.

 

Tell us a bit about your team

I work with an amazing team. When I first moved to my desk, I was nervous to be next to Floor Support, but it has been one of the best things to happen for my learning development. I’ve also made some great friends here too.

My team leader has always been supportive, giving me opportunities to see how other departments work and encouraging me to make the most of my apprenticeship.

In your own words, what makes learning at Valda Energy unique?

It's the support that we get which makes it unique. Colleagues from around the company are always happy to share their industry knowledge and help you develop. The educational support from tutors has also been second to none.

Another stand-out point for me is that I have a permanent contract when my apprenticeship is over.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about apprenticeships?

Do it! My apprenticeship has been amazing for me and feels like it’s opened more opportunities for me now and in the future.

You’re getting industry knowledge, experience and qualifications in one go.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Ever since I passed my driving test, my latest interest has been cruising around cities to try new food spots. When I’m not driving about, I also love hanging around with my family and doing fun activities together. 

A year on since we last spoke about your apprenticeship, how do you think you’ve progressed? Are you still enjoying it?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship at Valda Energy and believe I have made significant progress. My customer service skills have been instrumental in successfully completing my apprenticeship.

How have you found the balance of working within a busy team and completing your portfolio?

I have found it manageable to balance working with a busy team and completing my portfolio. Allocating time for off-the-job training is essential for ensuring I remain up-to-date with my work.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about apprenticeships?

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would highly recommend it as an excellent path forward. Not only does it provide valuable learning opportunities, but it also allows you to earn and recieve a fully recognised qualification.

What are your plans after you finish your apprenticeship?

I have already completed my apprenticeship and am just waiting for my endpoint assessment. The skills and experiences I have gained during this time have enabled me to transition into a more specialised role within the collections department. It is a position that I really enjoy.

What has been your highlight over the past year?

The main highlights of my apprenticeship have been gaining experience and knowledge in the utilities industry. Initially, I believed this field would be beyond my comprehension, but completing this apprenticeship has proven otherwise.