“I’m excited and proud to be a team leader at a new food store after being a retail apprentice for only ten months.

"Earning while you learn and meeting lots of people was a big pull for me when I applied and I’m currently working towards an Advanced Level 3 NVQ in Retail. My mum was a customer service assistant at Lincolnshire Co-op while I was studying my A Levels at college – she knew I wasn’t enjoying it so she suggested I applied for an apprenticeship and here I am!

"I chose retail because it can open a lot of doors– whether it be within stores to one day becoming a manager or in support services like marketing. You also learn a lot of skills in the food environment.

"I’ll be helping out with training our new team at Goxhill Food Store so I’m looking forward to assisting my manager Lee with this. I wouldn’t be where I am without him and I hope I can inspire other young people to do the same.”

“Classrooms aren’t really for me, so I applied for an apprenticeship after speaking to a pharmacist in Swineshead who gave me an insight into working in pharmacy. Now, I’m a qualified Dispensing Technician after completing two years of training. 

"Pharmacy appealed to me because I’ve always been interested in science, but now I’ve discovered that my favourite part of the job is helping patients and providing important services to the community.

"I started out serving over the counter drugs then progressed into the dispensary where I label and pick prescriptions, order stock from suppliers and deal with customers. Our priority is making sure everything is in their best interest. 

"Working as an apprentice for Lincolnshire Co-op in particular has been great because you get a lot of support from across the Society – everyone is so friendly and helpful!”