You know we love an apprenticeship success story… and Mayflower Auto Service’s Business Admin apprentice – Jude Lidstone – is proof that with the right support, apprenticeships can be a massive shortcut to real-world success.
After finishing school, Jude went straight into a business course at college, but soon chose to swap the standard classroom setup for an apprenticeship that would offer a mix of structured training and practical real world experience. He applied for a role with Mayflower Auto Services in Plymouth, and it was a perfect match for both of them. With Jude’s work ethic and hard work, and Mayflower’s support and guidance, Jude quickly picked up the practical skills needed to handle a busy automotive business from day one.
The Secret Formula? Real Support.
Individual drive is essential, but a great employer changes the game. Jude calls the team at Mayflower Auto Services “very, very supportive”. They integrated Jude into daily operations, giving the classroom theory he was learning on his programme an immediate practical purpose.
But the support didn’t stop there. Jude attributes a massive part of this quick progression to the personal attention received at Focus:
“The best part of the entire experience was the support I received from Focus. The assessment was a very quick, efficient process, which kept me motivated all the way through.”
At Focus, you aren’t a face in a crowd. We keep our cohorts small so our tutors – who are experienced industry professionals who have actually done the job themselves – can give you the direct group or 1-on-1 support you need to smash your goals.
Next Stop: Business Leadership
Completing his Customer Service Level 2 qualification was just the beginning for Jude. He applied himself fully to the course requirements, and before we all knew it he was completing his qualification and looking ahead to his next steps. Having become a valuable member of staff in his short time with the company, Mayflower Auto Services was more than happy to progress Jude to his next apprenticeship: A Level 3 in Business Admin, which Jude says is just another stepping stone to the successful business career he aims to build for himself.
Why Partner with Focus for Business Training?
- Zero Wasted Time: Our streamlined onboarding, training and assessment processes keep you moving forward, and ensure you complete your apprenticeship on time.
- Local Networks That Matter: We connect driven regional talent with top-tier South West employers across Plymouth, Cornwall, Exeter, and Bristol.
- Built for Progress: We don’t just train for a piece of paper; we help you map out long-term career growth.
Ready to Build Your Workforce or Kickstart Your Career?
Whether you’re an employer looking for fresh talent or a school-leaver ready to make your mark, let’s get you moving.
Explore our current Business & Customer Service Apprenticeship vacancies here, or get in touch with our apprenticeship support team today to discover how we can help your business achieve outstanding results.