To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating employees who have undertaken apprenticeship courses and recognising the contribution they make to our business.
In this article, we chat to our Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Lead, Lucy McDine, who joined Advanced in 2018 as an apprentice and completed her BTEC Level 3 apprenticeship before progressing onto a degree apprenticeship course in 2022.
What made you choose an apprenticeship at Advanced back in 2018?
I chose to do an apprenticeship when I left school rather than follow the ‘traditional’ A-Levels and university route, as I knew I wanted to gain a qualification while working, and I find that I learn best by doing. The apprenticeship also gave me hands-on experience across multiple departments, and I specifically chose Advanced because I was interested in working within a growing industry.
How did Advance support you with your apprenticeship?
During my apprenticeship, I was assigned a mentor who offered guidance and advice for both my studies and my job role. We had regular meetings where I could discuss my workload and progression, which helped ensure I felt supported both personally and professionally.
Advanced also promoted the ‘20% rule’, allowing me to dedicate at least 20% of my normal working hours to off-the-job training through studying and attending classes. I also had regular reviews with my line manager where we discussed my progress and set objectives and targets. I found it motivating that my achievements were recognised and that I could see how my role contributed to the day-to-day work at Advanced.
We also worked together to develop a clear career pathway. For example, after completing my BTEC Level 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering apprenticeship, we identified a degree in Manufacturing Engineering as the best fit for my role. I’m also encouraged to continue learning through webinars and training courses.
What does a typical day look like?
There isn’t a ‘typical day’. As SHEQ Lead, I cover safety, health, environmental and quality compliance, along with continuous improvement.
My day often starts with admin tasks, such as responding to new issues and taking action to resolve them and organising health and safety training. I regularly carry out audits and inspections to check compliance, safety hazards, housekeeping and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and I liaise with colleagues on any related actions.
I also review environmental and health and safety regulations, work with our Quality team and Health and Safety consultants, and complete data input and analysis on areas such as waste management and energy usage. In addition, I deliver safety inductions for all new starters to Advanced.
If an accident or near miss occurs, I investigate root causes and implement corrective actions. As a lead auditor, I’m also involved in the ongoing assessment of our management system certification audits. A key part of my role is positively influencing our culture by promoting safety behaviours and keeping safety at the forefront of operations.
What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced?
What I enjoy most is that my work is varied, and every day brings something new I can learn from the different tasks I’m involved in. I enjoy the challenges that come with my role and value having great sources of information around me – whether that’s guidance from colleagues, my mentor, or my manager – which helps me continuously develop my skills and knowledge.
What’s your long-term career goal?
Long–term, I would like to continue learning and possibly explore continuous improvement opportunities. I would also potentially like to progress into a Head of Health and Safety role, focusing on organisational policy and compliance, and further integrating safety within day-to-day business operations.
Want to know more?
Discover our culture, benefits and current opportunities and learn what life is like working in the fire safety industry.