Apprenticeships bring career change opportunities for Pavan and Cate
Two north east people in their early twenties who felt unsuited to their initial chosen careers have embarked on a different path in the diversity and inclusion sector after securing apprenticeships with eQuality Solutions Group (eQS). We're delighted to be delivering these apprenticeships on behalf of eQS and supporting both young people to follow their passions.
Pavan Bhardwaj, 23, left a degree course in electrical engineering at Durham University to start an apprenticeship in business administration and Cate Weatherson, 21, has swapped her job as a carer to take-up a customer service apprenticeship.
Team Leader at eQS, Jack Fisher, 25, appointed Cate and Pavan and he, himself, started at eQS as an apprentice, aged 16. He says apprentices are vital to a rapidly growing business:
"Apprentices bring a freshness and energy to the team. They have a lot of enthusiasm and curiosity to learn, progress, and impress. The skills we teach them are transferable, of course, but they are also tailored to our company's specific needs and values which is something you can't usually get from an experienced employee who has learned their craft at a different business."
Pavan started looking into apprenticeships after realising his electrical engineering degree was too narrow a field for him and he was attracted to the concept of earning whilst learning. Pavan was involved in advocating and campaigning for disabled and LGBTQ+ students at university so the vacancy for an apprentice at eQS piqued his interest.
He said: "Given my passion for improving student welfare, this role is perfect for me. Part of my job is helping students apply for Disabled Student Allowance and supporting them on that journey which can be tricky to navigate. I'm glad I made the move because business administration skills and qualifications open many doors, in many sectors, and I'm enjoying taking on more and more responsibility."
Cate worked in a care home for two years after completing a Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ.
She said: "I have always liked the idea of apprenticeships and a friend who is an apprentice recommended this route to me. Changing from a very active, hands-on role to an office position was scary because it's so different and I didn't know what to expect but to be honest it's actually better than I imagined. I like the structure it brings to my life, I'm enjoying learning how the business works and how I can add value to it."
It's a pleasure to be supporting both Cate and Pavan through their career changes and we're looking forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.
eQS is a national company with a head office in South Tyneside. They are a leading, global provider of diversity, equity and inclusion services and products including consultancy, needs assessments, assistive technology, training, e-learning, mentoring, coaching and inclusive recruitment - across workplaces and educational settings.
Two north east people in their early twenties who felt unsuited to their initial chosen careers have embarked on a different path in the diversity and inclusion sector after securing apprenticeships with eQuality Solutions Group (eQS). We're delighted to be delivering these apprenticeships on behalf of eQS and supporting both young people to follow their passions.
Pavan Bhardwaj, 23, left a degree course in electrical engineering at Durham University to start an apprenticeship in business administration and Cate Weatherson, 21, has swapped her job as a carer to take-up a customer service apprenticeship.
Team Leader at eQS, Jack Fisher, 25, appointed Cate and Pavan and he, himself, started at eQS as an apprentice, aged 16. He says apprentices are vital to a rapidly growing business:
"Apprentices bring a freshness and energy to the team. They have a lot of enthusiasm and curiosity to learn, progress, and impress. The skills we teach them are transferable, of course, but they are also tailored to our company's specific needs and values which is something you can't usually get from an experienced employee who has learned their craft at a different business."
Pavan started looking into apprenticeships after realising his electrical engineering degree was too narrow a field for him and he was attracted to the concept of earning whilst learning. Pavan was involved in advocating and campaigning for disabled and LGBTQ+ students at university so the vacancy for an apprentice at eQS piqued his interest.
He said: "Given my passion for improving student welfare, this role is perfect for me. Part of my job is helping students apply for Disabled Student Allowance and supporting them on that journey which can be tricky to navigate. I'm glad I made the move because business administration skills and qualifications open many doors, in many sectors, and I'm enjoying taking on more and more responsibility."
Cate worked in a care home for two years after completing a Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ.
She said: "I have always liked the idea of apprenticeships and a friend who is an apprentice recommended this route to me. Changing from a very active, hands-on role to an office position was scary because it's so different and I didn't know what to expect but to be honest it's actually better than I imagined. I like the structure it brings to my life, I'm enjoying learning how the business works and how I can add value to it."
It's a pleasure to be supporting both Cate and Pavan through their career changes and we're looking forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.
eQS is a national company with a head office in South Tyneside. They are a leading, global provider of diversity, equity and inclusion services and products including consultancy, needs assessments, assistive technology, training, e-learning, mentoring, coaching and inclusive recruitment - across workplaces and educational settings.
