The Hendersons – a family driven to success

11th January 2021

Meet the Hendersons, Father Scott and his two children Holly and Ryan. Despite all being different ages, they have one thing in common, they’re all apprentices. We caught up with each of them to find out more about their different experiences.

Despite the family all residing under the same roof in Salford and all undertaking apprenticeships, the Henderson’s apprenticeship pathways are all very different. Father Scott Henderson, had been working on the front line for 24 years before changing jobs and joining Salford City Council as a Waste and Recycling Officer. Scott explained: “When I left my old job, I knew that I could do more. I was looking to progress further in my career. The apprenticeship has been a way for me to enhance my skills as a team leader and managing staff.”

Scott’s Leadership and Management apprenticeship has allowed him to build upon his existing skills. The apprenticeship is a great way for individuals to enhance their confidence and progress into higher roles within their business. He added: “Since starting the apprenticeship I have learnt so much in terms of leadership. I have found the Project Management elements of the apprenticeship really useful. Learning about how to deal with the difficult conversations you may have to have with staff has also been incredibly beneficial.”

For both Holly and Ryan, their journey’s started at a younger age. Holly Henderson started her apprenticeship at the age of 16. After a few weeks at a local College, she knew that it wasn’t the right pathway for her. After researching online and talking to the Apprenticeships at Salford City College Recruitment Team, she found the Business Administration apprenticeship.

Holly explained: “As soon as I had found this apprenticeship, I knew I was on the right path. It was more suited to my needs and ambitions. There is also a really clear progression route once you have finished.”

So far Holly has developed the key skills required to succeed in any role within the business sector. She added: “The apprenticeship is really good and it gives you an understanding of how a business runs and a look at the behind the scenes of an organisation. It teaches you all the different components you have to take into consideration when working within a business.”

Whilst currently working at City Skills, Holly’s role has recently changed from a student services officer, to an attendance officer. She said: “I’ve really enjoyed the experience of working in education and it’s something that I see myself pursuing.”

Similar to Holly, Ryan Henderson started his apprenticeship straight out of school in September 2019. After dreaming of becoming a Civil Engineer for as long as he can remember, Ryan knew that an apprenticeship was the way forward after school. The professional skills and knowledge that comes along with working whilst learning, benefited Ryan tremendously and gave him the motivation to succeed.

A year into his apprenticeship, Ryan has developed a wide range of work-based skills. He explained: “I have picked up a lot of the professional work based skills such as punctuality, dressing smart and just being around people has developed my team work skills and overall communication. I have also had to use a lot of technology and software that are specific to the industry, which has been really interesting to learn how to use effectively.”

For each of the Henderson’s the journey doesn’t finish there. For Scott, once he has finished his apprenticeship he will be ready to progress onto the Level 5 apprenticeship with higher managerial roles in sight. Holly has enjoyed working with young people so much, that she is hoping to move into a role within pastoral support. And for Ryan, as soon as he completes his apprenticeship he’ll be ready for the industry, adding: “I can’t wait to get as many projects under my belt as I can, so I can move on to even better things.”

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of the Henderson’s and start an apprenticeship, then contact the Apprenticeships at Salford City College team on: 0161 631 5555 or apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.