Apprentice success stories – Lisa Ainsworth

In this blog post, we’re celebrating the success of Lisa Ainsworth, who has recently achieved a Pass in her Level 3 Safety, Health & Environment Technician apprenticeship.

As a Health & Safety Officer at James Hall, Lisa began her apprenticeship to strengthen her knowledge and skills in a newly acquired role.

Alongside her day-to-day responsibilities, she embraced the chance to gain a recognised qualification while putting her learning into practice in the workplace.

Lisa has kindly shared her journey with us in the Q&A below, offering valuable insights and advice for anyone considering a similar path.

Q) What led you to start your chosen apprenticeship?

I started a new role in health and safety and wanted to develop my knowledge and skills while working. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to learn and put those skills into practice from day one.

Q) What does a typical day look like for you?

My role covers a wide range of responsibilities, and no two days are the same. I usually begin by checking any incident reports or emails from overnight, then plan which areas need attention.

I will then often carry out workplace inspections to ensure safety procedures are being followed, and if I notice anything that could pose a risk, I report it and help find solutions.

Throughout the day, I might complete risk assessments, update safety documents, attend meetings about upcoming projects, or answer questions from employees on the floor about safe working practices.

I’m always learning something new in my role, whether it’s about how the workplace operates or how to keep people safe. I enjoy this, as it helps me build my knowledge and develop my skills while carrying out my daily tasks.

Q) How would you describe the apprenticeship journey to someone thinking of starting?

An apprenticeship can be challenging at times but very rewarding. It’s a great balance of learning on the job while gaining a recognised qualification, so you get hands-on experience and can see the impact of your learning in real time.

Q) What advice would you give to someone starting an apprenticeship?

Go into it with an open mind and be willing to ask questions. You’re not expected to know everything from the start. Make the most of every opportunity to gain experience, whether that’s shadowing colleagues, joining meetings, or volunteering for tasks outside your comfort zone.

Q) How did your manager/mentor and trainer support you?

I’ve felt really well supported throughout this experience.

My manager and mentors were approachable and always willing to answer questions or explain the reasoning behind procedures, which helped me see the bigger picture. They involved me in real projects rather than just observing, so I quickly learned how to apply knowledge in practice.

My trainer also kept me on track with coursework and provided clear, constructive feedback, which made it much easier to balance studying alongside work.

Q) What made you want to start working in Health & Safety?

I’ve always enjoyed roles where I can support others, and that’s what first drew me to health and safety. For me, it’s about ensuring everyone can do their job safely and go home at the end of the day without harm.

Q) What does your previous work experience look like?

My background is in teaching IT and supporting members of the community in accessing training and employment.

This experience strengthened my communication skills and taught me how to explain complex information clearly to people with diverse backgrounds and abilities.

It also gave me the ability to support individuals in reaching their goals, a skill I’ve carried into my new role by helping colleagues understand safety procedures and the importance of following them.

Q) Had you heard of apprenticeships before?

Yes, I had completed an apprenticeship before, so I was already familiar with how they work and the benefits they offer. My previous experience reassured me it was a great way to gain practical skills while earning a qualification.

Q) Was it overwhelming starting as a new apprentice?

At first, yes, it was a lot to take in. I wasn’t sure how quickly I’d be able to get up to speed or contribute effectively. But the support from my manager, mentor, and team helped me settle in quickly.

Once I understood the day-to-day tasks and the environment, I felt more confident and motivated to keep improving.

Lisa’s journey shows how apprenticeships can help people excel in new roles, build confidence, and develop skills that directly benefit their workplace.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship for yourself or your team, contact us today or explore the training options available and start your own success story.