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

Landmark takes part in the National Apprenticeship Week

With 11 great apprentices on board, Landmark carries out a number of supportive activities.
By Sarosh Khalid

National Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March) now in its seventh consecutive year, proposes to raise awareness around the successful scheme of apprenticeships and to help build a positive impact amongst employers, individuals, teachers, parents, media and the wider community. As most employers took turn in participating in this year’s National Apprenticeship week carrying out various activities, we also got a chance to showcase our Apprentices experiences, thought and values here at Landmark. In support of the positive scheme, Landmark Information Group has taken on 11 successful apprentices in various departments including Finance, Sales, Marketing, IT, Data and Customer Services to ensure the bright future for the younger generation.

Taking our turn in the National Apprentice Week, we took part in various shadowing activities across all offices including Exeter and Reading and delivered great insights into the working ways of Landmark.

Emily Stephens and Aidan Richards, both working in Exeter as Apprentices within the Finance department reported back how they felt about their shadowing activity and what they made of their day away from their desks. They looked at finance organisation charts and spoke about current job roles, what they did previously and what they would like to do in the future. Emily said: “The day was more interesting than I thought it would be! It’s really nice to see where my work comes into play with the rest of the team’s job roles”. The pair who are always so enthusiastic about working here at Landmark, summarised that the Shadowing activity helped them decide to go into future Finance and Management Accountant roles.

Whilst this took place, other apprentices sat in on meetings discussing their division and additional product knowledge. Jack Sheppard and Daniel Butler, both bright Systems Apprentices sat in with the CTO, Ian Clarke as they spoke with members of the recent acquisitions. Jack joined Landmark nearly a year ago in May 2013 and says: “I was eager to see how other aspects of the company operate and this meeting gave me the perfect opportunity to experience this”.

Similarly, to gain a better understanding of the company, we had Jay Cardona-Martin and Farouq Sulaiman travel up to Birmingham to take part in the Monthly Sales meeting with all the regional account managers. Jay and Farouq, both Sales Apprentices primarily working in Environment & Mapping had the opportunity to listen in on product development aspects and understand the pre-planning and level of detail that goes into all Landmark products within the Legal Division. Farouq felt he learnt a great deal more and said: “The amount of discussion and ideas in the meeting were brilliant. We understood the different approach needed for the clients in comparison to Environment & Mapping and became aware of what other activities that are taking place in terms of social media”.

Charlotte Smith and Aaron Manley, our newest Data apprentices joined Landmark early this year in January and have comfortably settled in with their teams. They shadowed Bob Maskell, Customer Service Manager, as he gave them background information on the company and slightly more insight on Landmark Solutions. Charlotte said: “We learnt that Landmark sell historic maps and an Act that was introduced in 1976 actually kicked off Landmark selling maps”. As Charlotte and Aaron understood the ground commitments of their area they were also being informed about the different contracts they will be dealing with.

I went into London to attend the Voice of Apprenticeships Conference to see how the status of apprenticeships could be changed. I came across some very powerful ideas and left with Matthews Hancock’s statement: “The best people to talk about apprenticeships are apprentices themselves”. The conference allowed me to voice my opinions on apprenticeship with other apprentices within the room as we collectively addressed all issues.

As the National Apprentice Week came to an end, we heard back from all apprentices about how they felt in their roles and received excellent feedback. Jack said: “Overall I would rate the experience highly as it gave me a greater understanding into how different businesses achieve their goals” along with Aaron: “Thank you Bob for his time and the organisers of the day as it was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our company and its day to day organisation”.

In return it was great to hear that Landmark values its apprentices’ contributions. As much as we think we are learning from them, Landmark learns from us every day, as Ian Clarke, Chief Technology Officer, eloquently stated “For me, it’s about finding and developing talent and giving people an opportunity.”

Voice of apprentices – National Apprenticeship Week.

The best people to tell everyone about apprenticeships are apprentices themselves
By Sarosh Khalid

Now in its seventh consecutive year, National Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March) provides apprentices with the opportunity to collectively share and showcase their achievements, skills and experiences. It is also a significant platform to help raise the awareness and profile of apprenticeships amongst employers, individuals, teachers, parents, media and the wider community.

As a QA apprentice here myself, this week was very important to me and helped highlight the doors that are open for all apprenticeships.

There was no better way for me to share my experiences and express my opinions than to head on down to the ‘The Apprentice Debate’ to express my view, where joined by other QA apprentices, we addressed the current status of Apprenticeships and how significant issues could be resolved. Ben Pike, director of QA training and Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for skills and enterprise both attended as keynote speakers to endorse the opinions and values of the apprentices. Lizzie Moffatt and Andy Fowler, founding members of the IAC, who co-supported the event with EAL, described how apprenticeships changed their lives and why they think apprenticeships should be largely supported.

Ben Pike encouraged apprentices to address their concerns, such as careers information and advice, as well as recommending any improvements. Hancock shared his thoughts: “it needs to become the new norm, that when a learner leaves schools they either go to university or into an apprenticeship”.  He praised the government for funding and fully supporting the system and stated: “all sorts of things are taking place to drive up the registrations for apprenticeships – but employers are needed to come to the table”. The Minister for Skills and Enterprise expressed his view that employers need to promote the value that apprentices bring to their business: “things like IT that were not around 40 years ago are now a huge part of our economy, and apprenticeships are important for ensuring the right skills are in place”.

A recurring topic on the day was the lack of career guidance given to young adults - schools don’t seem to steer towards apprenticeships. Hancock’s response was: “that we’re also putting a stronger legal duty on schools to provide independent and impartial advice”.

I took the floor and with mic in hand explained that “there are cases where you will put an individual in front of an employer and they don’t get the job. I know apprenticeships are training programmes, but certain individuals lack the confidence and skills to communicate themselves well. There should be training and guidance in place before you sit these young adults in front of employers. Hancock’s response was:  “The very best people to tell everyone about apprenticeships are apprentices themselves”.

The debate covered many topics including: the wider perception of apprenticeships, professional accreditation, a national body to represent the voices of apprentices, and addressing the ongoing issue of stereotyping and gender imbalance in apprenticeships. The latter being a good point in case. I was sat in a room full of apprentices where the clear majority were young males - we need to ensure opportunities are for both men and women.

I also strongly believe that schools now have a legal responsible duty to focus on these schemes and promote them alongside other career options. It was an invaluable experience for me and the opportunity to participate in the debate alone increased my self-confidence. It was exciting and inspiring to see the next generation of professionals!