What my Apprenticeship at Landmark means to me

What my Apprenticeship at Landmark means to me

I have spent the last year as an Apprentice here at Landmark Information Group and I have learnt so much. I had just finished my second year at 6th Form before I started my Apprenticeship and it has been a wonderful experience so far; everybody has been really welcoming and helpful – qualities of a true ‘Landmarker’ I would say.

I feel already that it has been a life changing experience: evolving from a school boy to a young man, and it has not just been within the working hours that I have had many memorable experiences with Landmark. On my first day I was pretty nervous and didn’t know anyone or even what my day-to-day tasks would consist of.  After meeting the team I felt much more comfortable and within a month of working at Landmark I was invited to their sales meeting.

 

 

My challenges may not have been the obvious ones people may naturally think of - but by gosh do you realise them within your first day:

• Make sure you have ironed all of your clothing the night before
• Pack your lunch
• Leave early for the train that is always going to be late
• Getting to work on my first day, concentrating so much it feels like a long hard day - only to realise it is only 3 o’clock

These challenges have now been overcome and are part of my automatic daily routine but at the start they were genuine challenges as this was something I had never been exposed to.

I have been very fortunate to have the expert assistance and training along my apprentice route. Julie Chell, my Assessor at QA Apprenticeships, has helped me out massively ensuring I completed my apprenticeship on time and to high standards. In regards to sales training I don’t think there is any better out there in the wide world than Stuart Allen - easily the best sales trainer I have ever had the luxury of meeting and in learning how to be a sales executive. Within my first 4 months I had already completed a bespoke order and managed to hit my quarterly target. With this is mind I feel I am doing well.

So far I have taken part in the Landmarker corporate video, , myself and fellow apprentice Farouq have  represented the company at external conferences as well as accompanied Regional Account Managers at client visits. I have made many new friends within the company and I regularly play football with colleagues at the local sports facilities.

I do look forward to going to work as it is a very relaxing and vibrant environment and everyone within the company is easily approachable. I am looking forward to my future at Landmark as it’s a unique place to work – I never knew mapping could be so much fun!

My proudest achievements to date?  Simple - having the chance to earn while I learn but more importantly being offered a full time contract by Landmark before my Apprenticeship Scheme is even up. The future looks bright here at Landmark and I aim to keep it that way.

Jay Cardona-Martin

Account Executive, Landmark Information Group

My Apprenticeship Journey at Landmark

Well, would you look at this…five months on from my last Blog and I’ve only gone and completed my Sales Apprenticeship here at Landmark! I honestly can’t believe how quick these months have flown by, it’s been nothing short of an amazing journey. I remember my first few hours trying to get my head around who everybody was and remembering all these new names! Looking back, I vividly remember all the warm smiles and hello’s as I took my seat and instantly feeling welcomed.

The first week was most challenging purely because of the sheer amount of information I had to take in. From acronyms, to new passwords, policies and most importantly all of the shiny platforms that I’d be using. Thankfully, I had a knowledgeable support network that would guide me through it all. One thing I never felt afraid to do was to ask questions, for the first week I think I even asked if I was allowed to go to the loo..

Who? What? When? Where? Why? All became my new best friends. It was like I was an inquisitive toddler all over again. As annoying as I thought I was being the constant reassurances like ‘it’s perfectly fine Farouq, ask away’ or ‘don’t be so silly, we are here to help you (accompanied by a smiley face)’ kept any worries I had at bay.

I have to say a massive thank you to my Assessor Julie Chell and my sales trainer Stuart Allen both at QA Apprenticeships for the instrumental support and guidance throughout the duration of my apprenticeship scheme. Interactive workshops equipped me with the tools and resources to become the best sales professional I could be. Stuart’s enthusiastic teaching approach made it feel like I had stumbled across gold dust choosing QA as the training provider. Confirming all my prior thoughts that a career in sales was the best choice for me.

I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t achieved something new on a monthly or even fortnightly basis, most days I’d go home yapping like an excited Yorkshire Terrier telling everyone what I’d done during the day. I remember when I had written a blog about my experience at Landmark which was circulated to the wider DMGT group. I really felt a part of something massive, a sense of belonging which is always a good feeling.

My most memorable achievement? I’d have to say it was when I hit my quarterly target from January to March. Work that I’d done, hours that I had put in had amounted to me not only reaching, but exceeding my target was gratification that what I was doing and learning was resulting in positive results.

So where does Farouq go from here? Well, I have recently accepted a full time permanent position here at Landmark and my hunger to succeed is echoed by my fellow Landmarkers. But, before I take the next step I need to be the best I can be now as Account Executive, solidify my foundations and become a hub of knowledge. The only way is up, and as I have said before, I can see a promising future here for myself at Landmark.

 

Farouq Sulaiman
Account Executive
Landmark Information Group