Student Case Study: Rebekah Byer – Joules

Today we have caught up with Rebekah Byer who, since May 2021, has been a Level 3 Retail Team Leader Apprentice at the Rushden Lakes ‘Joules’ Store.

Rebekah told Qube: ‘I seized the opportunity of completing the apprentice programme due to seeking personal development. I wished to expand my knowledge, experience, and expertise within my role. I also visualised the course as a great way to not only gain qualifications in an area I wished to progress my future career in at Joules, but also saw it as a great way to enhance my reputation, by being able to meet the demands of the job, and continue to be great role model and a mother to my three school age children. In addition to this, I hope that successfully completing this apprenticeship will show my employer Joules, that I have a strong commitment and dedication towards studying to complete the Apprenticeship.’

‘I really enjoy the challenge that this Apprenticeship brings, particularly gaining more confidence in myself while doing this programme.’

‘Ultimately, after gaining enough experience within management; my career passion is to lead and inspire awareness in inclusivity, accessibility and diversity. I would love to create a programme that gives young people of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) an equal and open opportunity to gain employment, confidence, and qualifications for any job role within the retail sector. I would love to produce a Deaf Role Model opportunity within organisations. An ambassador that proudly represents, advocates and celebrates the needs of the Deaf and Hard Of Hearing community. A safe, accessible, and excelling organisation that creates educational paths and celebrates career progression of those in the community. I would aim to roll out basic sign language in all stores to provide inclusive experiences not only to our customers but to staff who use signs as their native language.’

‘Speaking as someone classified with disabilities, taking part in a Retail Management Programme, I would say to someone who is looking to enrol on to an Apprenticeship to grasp any opportunity presented to them. The tutors are fantastic for encouraging you towards your goals and aspirations, it’s amazing how far you can come in confidence when someone believes in you and your vision.’

For more information on current Apprenticeship opportunities available via the Qube recruitment division ‘Qube Talent’, please click here.