Meet the team: apprentice Jacob Delaney
Jacob Delaney is currently on secondment in customer services from the sales team. He sat down to chat to us about the apprenticeship scheme and opportunities for progression. He may be one of the youngest TCE team members, but he’s certainly got big plans for his time at TCE!
Here at TCE we’ve got a rich history of apprentices and we’re proud to say that many stay on with us, going on to have successful careers within the business. Take Steve McGuinness for example, he started with us as a fresh-faced apprentice and now works across our Lostock site with a focus on environmental compliance. We’re a people first kind of place and we like watching people flourish. The way we see it, if you’re supported to succeed then we both reap the rewards.
Apprentices from 1977
Jacob, tell us a little bit about your apprenticeship.
I genuinely look forward to coming in every Monday! I’ve really been thrown into things since being at TCE, including a couple of quite big accounts where I’m learning so much. Being on the customer-facing side of things can be quite high pressure but I find it really rewarding and I’m enjoying having KPIs and targets to hit. I also get to have a couple of meetings a week with my mentor, Angus, who is TCE’s Sales and Marketing Director. It’s amazing to have that level of contact with someone so senior in the business. I don’t think that’s something that many other 19-year-olds get exposed to so early on in their careers.
Can you tell us about the qualifications you’re working towards?
At the moment I’m working towards my level 4 in sales and then I’ll get the opportunity to go on and do my level 6 which is equivalent to a university degree. I don’t think you can ever learn enough, so working towards formal qualifications while getting real world experience is a win-win for me. Everyone is really invested in my learning and pushes me to make sure I am succeeding in my apprenticeship.
What’s it like working on the customer services team?
I think I’m the youngest person in the business and everyone really looks out for me here. Working with a team of such experienced people is such a privilege. My mate Terry has worked here his whole life so if you’ve got a question, he’s the guy to go to, and I’m just trying to absorb all his knowledge.
How would you describe the culture at TCE?
At TCE there’s a real culture of honesty. I get feedback on a regular basis which makes me feel even more motivated to progress and grow. They really invest in the person here and are big believers that they can teach you the skills you’ll need, you just need to bring the right attitude and work ethic. That being said, don’t just expect to be handed things on a plate. They really encourage you to go out there and find out things for yourself. I’d always advise other apprentices to ask questions. Be inquisitive and talk to different people across the business.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship at TCE?
If you want a job where there’s always something to do, something to challenge you and loads to learn then get that application sent in. It’s the best decision I’ve made, and I’m excited to see what my future here holds.
Looking to join the team? Great news! Browse jobs here: https://tatachemicals.pinpointhq.com/