Bellrock apprentice Deni Amos shares what it’s like to kickstart her career at the forefront of sustainable FM. With diverse pathways into apprenticeships, our industry has never been more accessible.
Launched in 2008, National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the positive impact apprentices make on our local, regional, and national economies. It’s estimated that over 750,000 apprenticeships are active across the UK, with dozens of them right here at Bellrock.
As Fern Bell, our Learning and Development Manager puts it:
“Apprenticeships are important to the business. They let us introduce new talent and ideas, align training to business needs, and upskill existing staff. At the beginning of 2023 we had a handful of apprentices, barely touching our apprenticeship levy. By January 2025 we had 65 apprentices with 15 more in the pipeline, spending 90% of that month’s levy.”
Deni Amos is one of those 65, currently on a three-year low-carbon heating technician apprenticeship. She splits her time between Eltham Community Hospital and London South Bank Technical College on Thursdays.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025’s theme is Skills for Life, and Deni is certainly picking up plenty of those.
Work and learning in perfect balance
We caught up with Deni and asked what motivated her towards a ‘green skills’ apprenticeship, where the focus is on developing the skills and knowledge needed to create a sustainable future.
“I used to work with my dad on construction sites,” she explains. “I’ve always been used to that environment, working with my hands and being in a trade. And I think it’s important for women to see each other taking jobs and opportunities like this.
I thought low-carbon heating was really interesting because you’re working with all sorts of equipment; ground source and air source pumps, solar panels, stuff like that. I thought to myself that I’d rather get my foot in the door now before it’s popular. They want to get rid of old combi-boilers running on fossil fuels within, I think, 5-10 years. By the time these new technologies are everywhere, I’ll know what I’m doing.”
Her apprenticeship already has Deni learning on the job at Eltham, performing general maintenance around her tuition. Piping, for example, isn’t just piping. PVC, plastic, copper, and steel pipes each require different maintenance practices and show up in different areas. She’s learning all these nuances right now, in a live hospital setting.
Balancing work and learning happens flexibly, with exams mostly coursework-based. A lot of Deni’s studying gets done around her job, supported by tutors and line managers. Days are structured so that there’s always someone to come to, even when things get busy or managers visit other sites.
Fully supported throughout the challenges
As in any role, there are challenges as Deni explains:
“Before you go into a hospital plant room for the first time, you assume it’ll be a couple of boilers and that’s it. But its like something from a film. You’re surrounded by machines, pumps, the combined heat and power system which looks like a redesigned car engine at first. It’s an eye-opener!
So, it’s complex technology, and when something goes wrong it’s usually while you’re doing something else. Light will go out, leaks happen; you’ve got to find where the problem’s coming from and it’s not always obvious. And you’ve got to work around the doctors’ time too; there are times when we can and can’t be in certain rooms.
It’s not like an office job. It’s demanding and it keeps you busy. But I’ve never once woken up and thought ‘oh I really don’t want to go to work today.’ It’s interesting, it keeps your brain engaged.”
Deni credits this positivity in part to the level of support she gets from Bellrock. Things like financial assistance with transport and bike to work schemes help make the apprenticeship a win-win for both parties. Along with the general flexibility to both work and learn effectively, there’s a real sense of respect that goes both ways.
What advice would Deni have for future apprentices, particularly young women, thinking about a career in FM or the built environment?
“If you’ve got an interest and an opportunity to take it further, you should go for it. There’s nothing holding you back, and if you don’t like it you can stop, same as any job. But you’ll never know until you give it a chance.
There are various different green skills apprenticeships with government backing that can take you in all sorts of directions. We’ve got to hope that people in the future still want to go green, but the technology is here for us to use today.”
At Bellrock, we see green skills apprenticeships as a vital step toward building a sustainable future. Jenni Winslade, Head of Group Safety & Sustainability, explains:
“”The UK is currently facing a significant green skills gap, with demand for low-carbon expertise outpacing the supply of qualified professionals.
By investing in green apprenticeships, we’re not just addressing this challenge—we’re equipping the next generation with the tools to help our customers achieve their net-zero targets.
These programs are a cornerstone of our broader ESG strategy, creating meaningful impacts for both People and Planet.”
Apprentices: Driving growth and opportunity for businesses
Apprentices play an essential role in the success and growth of businesses across all sectors. By combining on-the-job training with formal education, apprentices bring fresh ideas, valuable skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning that fuel innovation and help businesses thrive. As industries evolve to meet the demands of the modern economy, apprentices provide the talent and adaptability needed to remain competitive.
In a significant step toward broadening access to apprenticeships, the Government recently announced a key policy change: businesses now have the flexibility to decide whether adult learners over 19 years of age must complete a Level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to pass their apprenticeship. This change removes a major barrier to entry, creating opportunities for more adults to reskill or advance in their careers.
Sophie Chivers, Head of Learning, Talent & Engagement at Bellrock, shares her perspective:
“Apprenticeships aren’t just about filling vacancies—they’re about investing in the future. This new policy will open doors for so many individuals while empowering businesses to develop the skilled workforce they need for tomorrow. By embracing apprentices, we’re creating opportunities for people of all ages to build meaningful careers and, at the same time, helping our organisation remain at the cutting edge of innovation and growth.”
At Bellrock, we believe that apprenticeships are a powerful tool for driving growth, innovation, and success. By removing barriers and increasing access, businesses can position themselves as leaders in their sectors, while making a lasting impact on individuals and the wider economy.
Are you a young person thinking about your next professional steps? There could be a rewarding, sustainable career for you right here at Bellrock, starting with an apprenticeship.
