At On Verve, we’re all about growth, development, and finding ways to level up in our careers. And few people embody that better than Lauren Suddards, one of our incredible DayMakers, who is smashing her Level 3 Facilities Management apprenticeship – and she’s on track to finish six months early!

Lauren’s journey into facilities management wasn’t something she initially planned. However, after working closely with her site’s Facilities Manager, she found herself drawn into the dynamic world of facilities. Encouraged by her team, she decided to take the leap into a level 3 apprenticeship, a decision that she doesn’t regret.

Leaping into facilities management

Before starting her apprenticeship in June 2024, Lauren had little knowledge of the field. However, as she took on more responsibilities and gained hands-on experience, she quickly realised how much she enjoyed the work. With the backing of her Facilities Manager and colleagues, she embraced the challenge and hasn’t looked back.

“I never expected to be so invested in facilities management,” she reflects. “But every day, I learn something new, and it’s exciting to see how everything connects behind the scenes.”

Juggling work and study like a pro

Balancing a full-time role as a Receptionist with studying might seem daunting, but Lauren has mastered the art of time management. She strategically carves out quiet moments in her workday to tackle assignments and plan ahead, ensuring she stays on top of her coursework without feeling overwhelmed.

Her Facilities Manager plays a key role in her development, providing mentorship and real-world learning opportunities that bring her studies to life. Rather than simply reading about facilities management in a textbook, Lauren experiences it firsthand, making the learning process far more engaging and practical.

Levelling up her skills and confidence

Since starting her apprenticeship, Lauren has grown in confidence and capability. She now handles tenant queries with ease, no longer needing to constantly defer to her manager. This newfound expertise has empowered her to take on more responsibility, and she thrives on the knowledge that she’s making a real impact.

Her tutor and team are her biggest cheerleaders, providing the encouragement and support she needs to keep pushing forward. With every challenge she overcomes, she becomes even more determined to excel.

Busting myths about apprenticeships

Like many others, Lauren initially believed that apprenticeships were only for school leavers. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that they can be a powerful tool for career growth at any stage.

She also worried about how it would fit into her job, fearing it would require hours of extra work outside her normal schedule. Instead, she found that all her learning is integrated into her work time, making the process both manageable and rewarding.

Lauren’s advice: just go for it!

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Lauren has one simple piece of advice: go for it.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and take your career to the next level. I’ve loved every moment of it, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”

With her fast-track approach and unstoppable drive, Lauren is proving that apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers, they’re an incredible way to learn, grow, and open doors to new opportunities. She’s smashing it, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next!

Feeling inspired? If Lauren’s story has got you thinking about an apprenticeship, why not take the leap? There’s no better time to invest in your future!