It’s time to celebrate our Apprentices. Every quarter Mercuri commend two Apprentice Ambassadors who have demonstrated some of the following attributes: proactivity, resilience, strong work ethic, personal integrity and professionalism as well as attainment and commercial success. Our Mercuri Apprentice Ambassadors for autumn 2021 are
Meet Leannne and Marc
Leanne Bradfield
Leanne Bradfield is a Technical Sales Executive at Veolia and is currently undertaking the Sales Executive Level 4 apprenticeship programme.
What’s the best thing about being an apprentice?
“The best thing about being an apprentice for me is personal growth in my chosen career. I have the chance to develop skills I already have whilst learning new ones along the way. I have been in my sales role for 5 years and this course has helped me build on my knowledge but most importantly I have grew in confidence in succeeding in my current role and any future progression.”
How would you say apprentices help employers?
“Apprenticeships help employers get the best out of their employees. It motivates and gets the full potential from an employee which leads to a positive impact on the business. It brings new skills and ideas to help develop the business for the future.”
Can you share with us your thoughts on becoming a Mercuri Ambassador?
“I am extremely proud and honoured to have been chosen to be a Mercuri Ambassador. Once again it has boost my confidence that the work I am putting in has been recognised. It has motivated me to continue pushing myself in doing my absolute best to achieve the qualification and become a successful sales person. Thank you to my coach for putting me forward and for the continued support you have given me throughout.”
Marc Varlow is a Business Partner Manager at Takepayments and is currently undertaking the Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship programme.
Marc Varlow
What’s the best thing about being an apprentice?
“For me it’s two things. Firstly it’s the fact that I have been recognised by the company and for them to want to invest in me as an individual it provides a real sense of worth in the business. Then it’s the way that an apprenticeship is structured, it gives me the ability to expand my skillset, in a real working environment and actively put new skills and knowledge into practice. I feel for me it works better than a classroom environment. It is also helping to create a sense of realisation, many of the skills and behaviours are things that I have touched on in my working life without realising. Not only am I now aware of the skills, but I am able to refine and maximise on the output of them.”
How would you say apprentices help employers?
“Through the investment of time and support for me and my colleagues they have motivated us, inspired us to strive to be the best we can and become an example for our peers. Alongside this passion we are increasing our skillset, pushing our performance to new limits and becoming strong role models within our departments. It’s an all-round win for Takepayments.”
Can you share with us your thoughts on becoming a Mercuri Ambassador?
“Fantastic and completely unexpected news! Sometimes I have felt a little swamped, or unsure that I am approaching things right, so to know not only am I doing alright but I have become an ambassador says massive things for the support and guidance Laura has given me!”
Why Leanne?
“Since starting the apprenticeship in December 2020 Leanne has consistently submitted work of the highest standard, not only providing well thought out and insightful answers to the assignments but applying the learning to her work. As her confidence grows she has pushed herself out of her comfort zone and her work has clearly benefitted. She remains ahead of the programme and I believe she will pass the end point assessment with flying colours and prove a worthy Ambassador for Mercuri, herself and her company.”
Barrie Sharpe, Mercuri Learning & Development Coach
Why Marc?
“During the time I have been Marc’s Learning Development Coach his positive attitude and commitment to his development has been incredibly infectious. Through structured support and guidance Marc has alwways been able to meet his deadlines for his assignments, which have been completed to a high standard. He has given excellent work place examples throughout to demonstrate how he applies the theories to his role and to lead a team. I’m looking forward to continuing to support Marc to achieve his Team Leader Apprenticeship.”
Laura Beswick Lawrence, Mercuri Learning & Development Coach
“Since Leanne started the programme with Mercuri, she has shown enthusiasm and motivation for learning; Determination to reach high standards of achievement; Openness to new thinking and ideas. We have found by having the determination she has shown, her whole attitude towards her role has changed and her demeanor is amazing in that she has so much confidence in herself, challenging herself to new heights!”
Jenny Mountford, External Apprenticeships manager, veolia
“Marc has held many roles in his time at takepayments but has always shown he follows our BRIGHT values to achieve success, and this is another time Marc has shown his true GRIT to achieve. Marc also shows us that anything is possible and if you believe, you can not only make the most of any situation, but you can also create some fantastic opportunities for yourself!
During his time at takepayments Marc has been a multi-Platinum winner – the highest accolade possible. Marc has since jumped at the opportunity to complete a Leadership Apprenticeship with Mecuri and has shown his typical attitude and is again achieving success.
If you were to write a blueprint for success Marc’s attitude, drive, determination, and sheer hard work is something that everyone could learn from. The Leadership Apprenticeship is now helping Marc learn the next skills needed to improve his career further, not just with takepayments but for the rest of his life.”
Darren Larkman, Head of Sales, takepayments
