Developing Talent Through Apprenticeships
At Heart of England Training (HOET), we are proud to work with employers that are committed to developing future talent through apprenticeships. One such organisation is National Grid, which has partnered with HOET to support apprentices in building the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in their careers.
For Jonathan Kelway, the experience of working with HOET has been overwhelmingly positive, with a strong emphasis placed on collaboration, flexibility and learner-centred support.
A Tailored Approach That Puts Apprentices First
When reflecting on the partnership, Jonathan Kelway highlighted the personalised support provided throughout the apprenticeship journey. He explained that HOET’s team consistently treated apprentices as individuals and worked closely with the business to ensure their learning experience aligned with both organisational and personal development needs.
According to Jonathan, the tailored approach taken by HOET made a significant difference. The flexibility shown by training staff, combined with a willingness to adapt programmes where appropriate, ensured that apprentices received meaningful support and were able to maximise their learning outcomes.
“It was always a pleasure to deal with HOET and I’m grateful for the tailored approach taken with the apprentices. Everyone from HOET came across well and treated the apprentices as individuals, being happy to tailor the programme to their and our needs.”
The Value Apprentices Bring to the Business
For National Grid, apprenticeships offer far more than a route into employment. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, new skills and valuable opportunities for professional development across the wider team.
Jonathan noted that existing team members benefit from taking on mentoring responsibilities, gaining valuable leadership and coaching experience along the way. The knowledge and skills apprentices develop through their training can also introduce new approaches and ideas that positively impact the wider organisation.
With competition for talent remaining high across the industry, apprenticeships also provide an effective solution for attracting and retaining future employees while creating rewarding long-term career opportunities.
Why HOET Stands Out
Although every apprenticeship provider offers training, Jonathan believes that HOET’s commitment to flexibility, collaboration and personalised support sets the organisation apart.
By working closely with managers, mentors and apprentices, HOET helps learners explore different career pathways, gain exposure to a variety of roles and develop the confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. This collaborative approach ensures apprentices are supported in finding the right direction for their future while meeting the needs of the business.
Zahraa's Success Story
One apprentice whose journey demonstrates the impact of the programme is Zahraa, who completed the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship and achieved a Distinction.
Throughout the programme, Zahraa developed a wide range of knowledge, skills and behaviours, alongside increased confidence in her abilities. According to Jonathan, these developments enabled her to take on a significant challenge within the organisation by establishing and delivering a team conference and an ongoing knowledge-sharing forum for a large group of colleagues.
The forum has continued to grow and is expected to provide long-term value by encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange across teams.
“Many of the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed through the programme, along with the general confidence building, ultimately helped Zahraa set up and deliver a team conference and ongoing knowledge forum for a large group of colleagues.”
Making an Immediate Impact
Following completion of the apprenticeship, Zahraa quickly began making a positive contribution within a regional team at National Grid. Jonathan highlighted how the programme allowed her to identify the areas of work she was most passionate about and where her strengths could have the greatest impact.
This self-awareness, combined with the practical skills gained during the apprenticeship, meant she was able to transition into her role and begin contributing immediately.
Building Skills for Long-Term Success
One of the most valuable qualities Zahraa developed throughout her apprenticeship was the ability to work independently while maintaining a strong understanding of the wider organisational picture. Jonathan described her as a proactive individual who is willing to investigate challenges and find solutions without requiring extensive supervision.
These qualities are particularly valuable in fast-paced environments where adaptability, initiative and problem-solving are essential for success.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between HOET and National Grid demonstrates the value that apprenticeships can bring to both learners and employers. Through a combination of tailored support, collaborative working and high-quality training, apprentices are empowered to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in their careers.
For Jonathan Kelway and the team at National Grid, the impact of apprenticeships is clear: they help develop capable, confident professionals who can contribute meaningfully to their organisation while building successful and rewarding careers for the future.
