Rising Star recognises a young individual who has made exceptional
progress whilst studying an apprenticeship and this year we’re delighted to
announce that it has been awarded to Mason Farrell of Whispering Smith.
Mason joined
Whispering Smith in 2018, having been recruited by Intec’s Apprenticeship
Recruitment Service onto a Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 programme
at the age of 16. Since that time not only has, he risen through the ranks at Whispering
Smith, but he has gone onto to complete a Business Administrator Level 3
programme, achieving a Distinction in both.
Now an Assistant
Warehouse Manager, at 20 years old he is on track to complete his third
programme with training partner Intec, Team Leader/Supervisor Level 3.
Apprenticeships are
all about taking the first or next step in a career, developing new skills and
building confidence and Mason has fully embraced this: ‘I’ve gained knowledge and experience, developing my communication skills. Working alongside Lee and the other Managers has
given me an insight into how to be professional and represent the business with
stakeholders of many types. This has
enabled me to win the respect of my colleagues and the Management Team. As I have moved through my career and my
role has changed, apprenticeships have helped me adapt to different roles and
situations.’
His
Manager, Lee Coker (who won our Mentor of the Year Award in 2022), has
championed apprenticeships to grow and develop his team. ‘Mason helped to pilot the way for us to take on more and expand
the partnership with lntec into
other qualifications and apprenticeships. I take pride
that in the increase in apprentices and knowledge has improved
the vibrancy and operation of our business.’
Lee saw
Mason’s potential from the off: ‘Mason has developed beyond my expectations of
an apprentice; he
is
an example to all the team here of how to achieve
and progress in the workplace.
He is mature and reliable
and his willingness
to undertake his Team Leader qualification is testimony
to his desire to work
and learn. An ambassador for the business
I have great faith in him.’
His Tutor, John Felton, who has been with him
since the start of his apprenticeship journey, and nominated Mason for the
Award, has seen him move from apprentice
to mentor: ‘Mason is a conscientious individual and has recently helped a colleague through his
knowledge test helping him to score a Distinction 20/20! He has now started to mentor 4 more apprentices in his workplace.
Mason is mature beyond his years and
a role model for others around the business.’
Mason clearly has a bright future ahead of him.
Congratulations Mason!
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