Ollie joined the Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship programme in the summer of 2022. After seeing the advert on the Kidderminster College website and being shortlisted for interview, Ollie was impressed by Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School and the role that he would play in the organisation.
The employer
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School in Stourbridge is an experiential independent school for pupils from age 3 to 17. Set in beautiful grounds surrounded by trees and shrubs, there is a true feeling of the ‘great outdoors’ being accessible to all students and staff alike.
Elmfield follows the internationally established Steiner Waldorf curriculum, which responds to the changing needs of the developing child, continually nourishing their social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth.
Artistic work is integral throughout the teaching at Elmfield: arts, crafts, movement and music are learning tools as well as subjects in their own right. Spanish and German are taught from age six. Early learning is based on practical activities, movement, circle games, crafts, music and stories.
At Elmfield pupils work in an atmosphere of co-operation and trust: respect for the value of each individual is nurtured, so that children learn compassion and inner values. Elmfield offers a truly alternative education to equip young people for the 21st Century.
Has the apprenticeship improved your confidence?
Without a doubt. The apprenticeship has developed my confidence because there’s always people around to ask for help and advice. I’m also learning more and there’s lots of different things to do.
What are the benefits of being an Apprentice at Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School?
Here, it’s different every day. Just today, I’ve done bricklaying, built a fire pit, gardening, replacing light bulbs, bleeding radiators and fixing tables and chairs.
Is the Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship the right choice for you?
It really is and, right now, I’m seeing the benefits of my course. As I progress, I think my skills will improve and I’ll have more independence in the jobs I do.
Why hire an Apprentice?
“We felt that recruiting an Apprentice for our Grounds Person opportunity was ideal. With experienced colleagues who are able to help support and train an Apprentice and with the current skills shortage, this seemed an ideal offering.” – Sam Price, HR and Compliance Administrator.
What is the Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship?
Level: Level 2
Duration: 15 months
Start dates: Throughout the year
Entry Requirements: GCSE 3/D or above in Maths and English or equivalent.
Apprenticeship Course Details: As a Property Maintenance Operative, you will assist in ensuring that a building’s condition is of high quality and in a safe, working condition. You will be expected to provide maximum satisfaction to customers, clients, guests and your team. As an Apprentice, you will be trained in the mechanisms of buildings including electrical, plumbing, plant, safety systems and equipment. You will be the first and immediate responses to fault finding and assist in the prevention of major damage that could result in extensive costs and minimise reactive intervention.
Upon completion, you have the potential to work in a variety of industries, for example housing, healthcare, social care, hospitality, education, commercial properties, leisure, retail and public and private sector buildings.
Progression: When you complete the Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship programme with its transferable skills, you will be ready to progress into a variety of roles such as a Technical Specialist, e.g. electrical, carpentry, groundwork or plumbing, as well as the potential to progress to supervisory and management roles, like facilities management, across a wide range of sectors.
Fancy taking on an apprenticeship? Fill out our enquiry form to find out what’s available.
