How Will Built a Long-Term Career Through Apprenticeship Success

How Will Built a Long-Term Career Through Apprenticeship Success

Join me, Will, as I share my own personal journey from being an apprentice to building a long-term career at Tevalis. Learn how my apprenticeship played a crucial role in my professional development and paved the way for exciting opportunities in IT and the hospitality sector.

After facing health issues that disrupted my university plans during my second year of Sixth Form, I decided to switch paths and explore different avenues for kickstarting my career. In September 2014, I found myself stepping into HBTC’s Spyvee Street office for an initial meeting. This led to a series of five interviews, the last of which was with Tevalis—a decision that has since become one of the best I’ve made in my life.

From the get-go, Tevalis entrusted me with vital tasks. As a System Builder, I was handed the responsibility of utilising their software to construct EPOS (till) systems for restaurant and bar managers. After these systems were approved, they were installed by our team of engineers for clients that ranged from cosy cafes in York and Manchester to prestigious restaurants in London.

What stood out about Tevalis was the warm and welcoming atmosphere. I built strong connections with so many people, and even though some have moved on to new ventures, I’ve maintained close ties with them to this day. The Christmas party I attended early on set the tone and gave me a glimpse of the type of people I’d be working with, but maybe I shouldn’t say too much about that!

Let me share a quick story with you! One morning, while preparing for a usual work day, I thought it would be fun to send a tweet to Copa90. It was just a simple question, nothing out of the ordinary. You can imagine my surprise when, two weeks later, I heard my own name being mentioned to Neymar in one of their videos!

Throughout my apprenticeship, I came to understand that this journey was far more than any work experience I had gained at school. Each day was impactful, and I was instrumental in contributing to the team’s successes, especially during interactions with clients. The high-pressure environment enabled me to enhance my problem-solving skills and grow in confidence—a quality I have continued to develop over the years. Today, I am a Project Consultant, spending my time between the office and site visits, planning and assisting with EPOS system installations.

Looking back on my journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to progress seamlessly from a System Builder to roles such as Account Manager and Technical Support Operator, with each position improving my growth and development. The Covid-19 pandemic presented its unique challenges, especially during the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, which triggered one of the busiest weeks of my career to date, but it also helped to further sharpen my adaptability and resilience.

Securing a permanent role at Tevalis following my apprenticeship counts as one of my proudest achievements. This stepping stone has been pivotal in my professional journey, allowing both personal and professional growth. For anyone considering apprenticeships, remember that this is a genuine career path that provides invaluable experience, sometimes even beyond what traditional higher education can offer. To employers contemplating apprenticeships, the rewards of nurturing and moulding fresh talent can be incredibly rewarding, benefiting both the apprentice and your business in significant ways.

As I look to the future, I am excited to explore new places and collaborate with exciting brands in the hospitality sector through my work. The buzz of being part of successful new launches is genuinely unmatched, and I can’t wait for the next step in my career journey.

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