Meet Lola, our Apprentice Sales Ledger Clerk

We took the time this week to catch up with another of our apprentices, Lola, who works in our Accounts team as a Sales Ledger apprentice. This National Apprenticeship Week it's important to shine a light on apprentices and showcase the fantastic impact they have in a workplace.

1. What does your role involve?

I work within the accounts department at James Burrell, my role in sales ledger involves contacting sales staff regarding outstanding account balances and payments required, allocating cash and liaising with customers and other departments with queries. I also provide customers with missing documents such as invoices and proof of deliveries.

2. What’s your favourite thing about being an apprentice?

My favourite thing about being an apprentice is that I am able to learn and gain work experience at the same time, resulting in a qualification in customer service at the end of my course.

3. What do you enjoy most about working at James Burrell?

In the last 6 months I have worked here, my confidence has grown as I have received support and guidance from my manager and colleagues. I enjoy working in the sales ledger department as there is a friendly office environment and a great team spirit, they have all helped me progress within my job role.

4. What would your advice be for someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship?

My advice for someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship would be to go for it, learning whilst on the job from others is beneficial and very useful. Also, gaining a recognised qualification when the course ends provides more opportunities and experiences to all.

Alyson, our HR Manager said;

“Here at James Burrell Builders Merchants, we have always held the value of an apprentice extremely highly. The opportunity to allow someone to begin their career, to develop and create such a positive impact on the company where they have learnt their craft. This is one of the reasons why we invest in our apprenticeship programmes year on year, enabling us to continue to look towards the future of our workforce. Training apprentices within the business allows us to create a strong workforce for the future, allowing them to learn from some of our longest serving staff members who have a wealth of hands-on experience to share. The core company values are something that all apprentices learn when joining the company and they carry them through their whole career with us. Allowing our workforce to be a true representation of what James Burrell Builders Merchants truly is.”