“When I was 17, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads in my career. I had originally planned to become an equine vet and started studying a course at my local college. However, over time, I realised that turning my passion into a career wasn’t right for me, so I decided to consider other options. That's when I came across an apprenticeship opportunity at Sunbelt Rentals, and two years on I haven’t looked back.”
Dealing with real life scenarios
“In October 2022, I officially joined Sunbelt Rentals on an apprenticeship scheme as a hire controller. It was an exciting opportunity for me, and I was eager to learn a new set of skills. I chose the apprenticeship route because I loved the idea of learning on the job, rather than sitting in a classroom all day, absorbing information without practical experience. Being able to apply what I was learning in real-world situations was invaluable—it gave me hands-on experience, made things click faster, and provided me with the confidence to deal with real scenarios, instead of hypothetical ones.”
Securing a permanent position
“My apprenticeship lasted 16 months, slightly shorter than the typical duration, because I worked through the materials quickly. I was proud to complete it ahead of schedule and transition into a permanent position as a hire controller at Sunbelt Rentals' Grimsby Lifting Depot. My role involves being the first point of contact for customers, helping them figure out what they need, and sometimes even pointing them toward additional equipment that would make their job easier. I’ve learned a lot about nurturing customer relationships and the importance of understanding their needs, often when they don’t fully know what they need themselves.”
Developing new skills
“One of the biggest skills I developed through this apprenticeship is communication. When I first joined, I was terrified of answering the phone. The idea of speaking to a customer made me incredibly nervous, but now it’s second nature. I’ve learned how to give customers the best service possible and how to stay calm and composed, even when things are busy or complicated. Working with a variety of customers every day has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. It’s great knowing I’m helping people and making their jobs easier, and it’s helped me build my confidence enormously.”
“Product knowledge was another steep learning curve for me. When I first stepped into the workshop, I was clueless about the equipment. I couldn’t name a single thing! But over time, by asking questions, going out with the engineers, and seeing the equipment firsthand, I became familiar with the tools and machinery we work with. I even learned the different names customers use for the same equipment, which helped me become more efficient in my role.”
Gaining additional qualifications and experience
“During my apprenticeship, I studied the hire controller course, which was delivered online weekly. The course covered a wide range of topics including health and safety, systems management, and confidentiality.The support I received from my mentor at Sunbelt was instrumental in my development. I was encouraged to explore different areas of the business, going out with the drivers and spending time in the workshop to understand how everything worked. This holistic view of the company gave me a much deeper understanding of how my role fits into the broader team, and how all the moving parts contribute to Sunbelt’s success.”
Continuing my professional development
“Looking ahead, I’m interested in continuing my professional development. While I’ve completed the highest level for the hire controller course, there are other higher-level courses available, such as management training, that I’d like to pursue. Sunbelt is great in that way—they’re always supportive of further learning and development, and I know they’ll back me if I want to take the next step in my career. They invest in their employees and are willing to help you achieve your goals if you’re determined to put in the effort. That kind of encouragement makes me want to give my best to the company, knowing they’re just as invested in me as I am in them. It’s been a transformative experience, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”