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The 5% Club: The Danny Sullivan Group’s Commitment to Apprenticeship Success

Anthony Jordan, Groundworker Apprentice | Tim O’Sullivan, DSG Managing Director

Celebrating a decade of dedication, the 5% Club, founded by Balfour Beatty in 2013, marks a significant milestone in the mission to combat the UK’s skills shortage. A collection of employers with a shared vision, industries working in a cohesive manner with one another and support from senior leaders in the industry and UK Government to drive apprenticeships forward. The spotlight shines on the invaluable impact the 5% club have made on apprenticeships across the nation, one stand-out example is Anthony Jordan from the Danny Sullivan Group.

During The 5% Club’s reception celebrating all its members, it was noted: our apprentices weren’t finishing their training. In an added demonstration of leadership support for apprenticeships, an innovative new programme was – a one-year mentoring program. This program is all about giving apprentices the support they need to succeed, guided by industry leaders.

Anthony Jordan, who is currently training to be a Groundworker, was recognised as one of the top ten apprentices in the country, leading to being awarded the Founders Pledge Award. This prestigious accolade goes to the person who goes above and beyond, overcomes challenges, and works to the best of their ability. Anthony’s work on the Balfour Beatty VINCI HS2 Project in Birmingham not only showed his impressive skill set, but also how much apprenticeships can change lives and neighbourhoods.

Tim O’Sullivan, Managing Director at Danny Sullivan Group, is thrilled to be Anthony’s mentor: “It’s a privilege to guide and support out the next generation of workers and make an impact on our industry for better.” At the Danny Sullivan Group, helping apprentices and giving them chances to learn on the job as of paramount importance. When joining the 5% Club earlier this year, DSG made a commitment to making sure more people in the UK get the chance to learn useful skills for work, aiding in tackling the skills shortage and ensuring we have a workforce of talented workers for a bright future.

Becky’s Journey: From Apprentice to Success Story

Becky Harris, DSG Regional Support Partner

Embarking on an 18-month Level 3 Business Administration course might sound challenging, but for Becky, it was the gateway to a stream of possibilities. Her apprenticeship journey kicked off in March 2022, where she gained essential skills that set the foundation for her career.

Becky’s commitment to taking on an apprenticeship was unwavering. The course was challenging, but the qualification she would obtain at the end, made the push worth it. Regional support from her colleagues at the Danny Sullivan Group (DSG) and Skanska Costain Strabag (SCS) armed her with two years of industry experience which laid the groundwork for career success.

With three days at DSG and two days with SCS, Becky seamlessly transitioned into her apprenticeship, learning on the job with one dedicated apprentice workday per week – a true “learn while you earn” experience. Becky’s big leap into a new role with DSG as a Regional Support Partner was supported by Ruairi Coffey, DSG’s Head of Social Value, Skills, and People Development, and Noel Burns, Head of Operational Delivery, due to her completing her apprenticeship course with flying colours.

Looking ahead, the next few years promise exciting opportunities for Becky as she hopes to venture into the operations team as a Labour Manager. Undertaking this apprenticeship boosted Becky’s confidence levels, one of the key takeaways from her apprenticeship, empowering her to pursue ambitious career goals.

But Becky’s story doesn’t end with her own success. Inspired by her journey, she played a pivotal role in encouraging her colleague, Katie Ryan, to embark on the same apprenticeship course. For Becky, it’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about inspiring others to embrace the apprenticeship route and its fantastic opportunities.

Becky emphasises the concept of “Skills for Life” gained through her apprenticeship – a boost in confidence, acquisition of new skills, and the expansion of knowledge both inside and outside the workplace. Having completed a Travel & Tourism course in 2020, Becky recognises that the real-world experience gained through apprenticeships surpasses traditional classroom learning.

In her own words, “enrolling in the L3 Essential Site Skills – Business Admin apprenticeship in partnership with DSG was one of the best decisions I ever made. Even in moments of doubt, the support and guidance available helped me navigate through challenges, emerging stronger and more prepared for the world of work.”

Becky’s story is a testament to the transformative power of apprenticeships, proving that the journey may be challenging, but undeniably rewarding. For those considering the apprenticeship path, Becky’s experience is a testament to the incredible possibilities that unfold when you choose to learn, grow, and succeed through apprenticeships.

To find out about our latest apprentice programmes, please contact our training department at: training@dannysullivan.co.uk or call 0208 961 1900

Or visit https://www.dannysullivan.co.uk/employees/apprenticeships/