Lucy Parkinson is one of the latest recruits to join our ever-growing apprenticeship scheme and she is also the Lancashire division’s first ever customer service apprentice.
Since starting, Lucy has thrown herself into her apprenticeship. Here, she discusses how she is embracing being part of the next generation that will be helping customers along the way with their house buying journey.
Before joining us two months ago, Lucy, 20, from Chorley, completed a Btec Business course at Runshaw College gaining the highest grades available – three distinctions - the equivalent of three A*s at A-Level.
She says: “As part of the course I studied customer service and I was also working part time in a restaurant. I enjoyed customer service, I enjoyed the interaction with people, speaking to people, and so when I saw that Redrow was offering an apprenticeship I was really interested.
“A family member owns a Redrow home so I knew already the standard that it stood for, and I also believed it was a good business to get involved in and that Redrow was offering a great apprenticeship scheme.”
Lucy’s initial training will last for 15 months, with an option to go to a higher apprenticeship and qualification scheme after that.
“Since starting within the customer services team, it’s been eye opening and different to what I expected. Customers are much more demanding and coming from working in a restaurant and dealing with customers face to face, I am now dealing with customers in an office environment and over phone and email so customers can be much harsher,” says Lucy.
Lancashire’s head of customer service, Michelle Bentley, has been inspired by how well Lucy has taken to her new role: “Right from the first day, it was clear Lucy had ambition. I think it’s really important for people to know that there is so much room for progression within the customer services team and we are always keen to promote internal growth.
“Having Lucy start as an apprentice has allowed us to plug the gap between the next generation coming into the industry and, when Lucy takes the next step, we can offer opportunities for more young people to join the team so they can follow in her footsteps.
“Lucy’s journey as a customer service professional will grow from here on out. She has the right attitude and behaviour so I truly believe she will go far.”
Once Lucy finishes her apprenticeship, the next step up the ladder will be to become a customer service co-ordinator and she is already gaining skills that will help her throughout the rest of her career.
For more info on careers with us, please visit: redrowcareers.co.uk
