An insight into apprenticeships at Sovini Property Services

As we near the end of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we are reflecting on how beneficial apprenticeships are, not only to the individual, but to organisations. We are proud to support a large number of local talent on their unique career paths, providing #SkillsForLife and opportunities to develop in different areas such as plumbing, electrical, gas, plastering and more. 

We recently sat down with current apprentice Matthew Colford and previous apprentice, now Investment Manager, Phil Hughes, to discuss the highlights of their journey and development at Sovini Property Services.

An Apprentices’ Perspective – Matthew Colford

“My name is Matthew Colford and I’m a Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprentice.

I found it quite easy to apply for a Sovini Apprenticeship online, which made me feel more at ease at the interview stage and boosted my confidence when meeting other people.

My journey so far with Sovini Property Services (SPS) has been challenging and enjoyable. I attend work with a qualified tradesman four days a week to gain practical experience and build on my knowledge and skills. I attend college one day a week to carry out face-to-face learning and work on my portfolio.  SPS even provided me with a tool bag and tool kit!

I started off working on wetrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.  I’ve learnt a lot from gaining experience on actual jobs and I’ve also learnt a lot from working with different people.  Recently, I’ve been working with the gas team so I can get my on-site gas work evidence collected.  It’s going great as the people I work with are willing to help and teach me skills.

Sovini Property Services is a great company to work for as it gives you the opportunity to learn on and off the job.  When you’re experienced enough, you also get the opportunity to drive the work vans, with the possibility of being sent out solo to carry out your own work at the end of your apprenticeship.

The company also gives you the opportunity to have some fun with The Sovini Games, where colleagues from different parts of the Group play against each other in games such as escape rooms, 5-aside football, eating challenges and many more.  This brings colleagues closer, not only as a company but as a friendship.

If at any time you feel you’re struggling with anything, you can always ask your manager or work colleague as they are always happy to help.

At the end of my apprenticeship, I hope to get a job working for The Sovini Group, one of the best and greatest places to work in the UK.”

A Manager’s Perspective – Phillip Hughes

"Apprenticeships are by far the best way to learn, gain qualifications and get paid at the same time.  This is only my opinion but it’s the opinion of someone who’s now a manager, formerly a tradesman, who went through a Carpentry & Joinery apprenticeship. 

I went through an apprenticeship slightly later in life, but without this apprenticeship I wouldn’t be in my very privileged position today.

I was always destined to join the RAF, but after signing up I decided not to continue with this career, due to the birth of my daughter. So, I concentrated on a different career path – construction. I was taken on with Sovini Property Services as a Groundworker, working on fencing and other joinery work. I’d had experience in the past, but I was lacking formal qualifications. 

Fortunately for me, Sovini Property Services put me through a Carpentry & Joinery apprenticeship, up to level 3 NVQ.  Once qualified, things in SPS progressed for me quite quickly.  I moved up from a single trade joiner to a multi-skilled operative, then from a multi to a working foreman and eventually from a foreman to a site manager.  I’ve recently been promoted to Investment Manager, looking after the work streams that I once worked on as an apprentice.

I can say with all certainty that if it wasn’t for the apprenticeship route, it would have been impossible for me to progress to my current position. I’ve worked for SPS for almost 13 years and in that time, I’ve tried my best to pay it forward and promote apprenticeships as much as possible. You never know, the next Director of Sovini Property Services could be out there now, waiting for their apprenticeship to begin.”