Gallery > Customer Service skills leads to 'A' new level of success

Becky Haynes (from The Gryphon School, Sherborne)

Employer: Dorset County Council

Qualification: Intermediate Apprenticeship in Customer Service

Case Study

Becky Haynes is 23 and works in the business support team of Children's Services, Dorset County Council. Becky said she would recommend an apprenticeship, “You have on the job training so you are getting real experience." Assessor Debbie Munday said “Becky developed very strong customer service skills over the course of her apprenticeship. She successfully balanced her commitment to her workplace role with the successful completion of her apprenticeship."  

On completing her A Levels in Philosophy and Ethics, Media and Ancient History at the Gryphon School, she decided not to follow the traditional path of progressing to University. At the time she didn't have an end goal to aim for and didn't want to spend all of the money going through university not knowing what career she was heading for. She also was at a stage in her life when she wanted to start to earn money. A friend recommended the Customer Service apprenticeship with Dorset County Council and so Becky decided to apply and was successful.  

Becky works in a large office which she found daunting, however Becky said “everyone was so friendly and helpful it helped me to relax and my confidence started to grow.”  

Becky has worked as a receptionist since she began her apprenticeship and her work included answering telephone call from the general public, sorting the post and working closely with the senior secretaries. Becky completed her apprenticeship in January 2009 and was promoted to Team Secretary.