National Apprenticeship Week: Q&A with Lois Keeley

At Telent, we are dedicated to nurturing talent through our apprenticeship programs, which offer practical experience, professional qualifications, and a supportive learning environment. This blog features insights from our apprentices, including a Q&A with Lois Keeley, an HR Business Partner Apprentice. National Apprenticeship Week 2025, taking place from 10th to 16th February, will highlight the positive impact of apprenticeships. It showcases how apprentices can help individuals build skills and benefit businesses by filling skills gaps and driving growth.

I chose an apprenticeship as I wanted to build a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and experience in order to thrive in an industry and role that is new to me. The clear progression and career development the apprenticeship offers also stood out to me.

When I came across this apprenticeship, I looked into what Telent does, and I found it fascinating when I heard that everyone comes into contact with a Telent service or product around 15 times a day. The opportunity to contribute to a company that has a huge positive impact on the daily lives of people across the UK inspired me to apply. What also stood out for me was how Telent values its people and an inclusive culture, respecting different backgrounds and cultures as well as celebrating successes. Telent’s apprenticeship offered the greatest potential for career advancement compared to others.

I have learnt how important it is to lean on all avenues for support when needed, whether that’s through my manager, buddy, mentor, tutor, or fellow apprentices and graduates at Telent. Each person offers a different perspective and type of guidance, plus knowing that I have lots of support around me has been valuable in my personal and professional growth at Telent so far. I’ve also learnt the importance of fully engaging with the apprenticeship programme. Connecting with people who are on the same learning journey has been so beneficial, as we can share experiences, support each other, and make the most of the opportunities available.

I really enjoyed our induction; I thought it was really well-designed to help integrate us as new apprentices and graduates into Telent. From team-building activities and creating our own Telent advert to meeting senior leaders, every aspect made me feel truly welcomed, and I couldn’t wait to get started in my role.

Supporting the employee engagement survey when I first started at Telent was a fantastic experience, as I had the opportunity to analyse and present department results to managers and collaborate with them, which all contributed to my professional development.

Working on the career pathway for the Service Centre has been invaluable as I am able to collaborate with managers I haven’t worked with before. Being involved in creating a clear structure for people’s progression at Telent and knowing that it will have a positive impact on their development and growth has been really rewarding.

I am working towards a dual qualification which is the Level 5 People Professional and Level 5 CIPD with the apprenticeship provider Potential Realised. The masterclasses and my 1-1 sessions with my coach are all delivered online.

I found out about the apprenticeship programme through LinkedIn.

I hope to secure a permanent role within Telent once I’ve completed my programme and become a well-rounded and successful HR Business Partner in the future.

• provided me with an incredible opportunity to work on a diverse range of exciting projects alongside different teams, due to the rotational structure of the role.
• equipped me with the theory and knowledge needed to support my practical work, helping me develop a deeper understanding of HR practices.
• helped me develop both technical and professional skills and gain valuable hands-on experience while building my confidence at work.