“I feel more confident in speaking with customers”

Creative teenager Lois Denatale jumped at the chance when she was offered an apprenticeship at a modern signage business, with exciting clients.

The Caerphilly native is studying a Business Administration qualification with ACT Training, but wanted more hands-on experience at a thriving business.

Her Assessor at ACT Training, Michelle Marshall, let her know about an apprenticeship opportunity with Print Sauce, a leading South Wales signage company that’s been offering vibrant bespoke products for more than a decade.

Lois said: “ACT got in touch with me to let me know about the apprenticeship with Print Sauce. The role appealed to me because it was very varied and no two days are the same. The apprenticeship let me start without experience and learn on the job.”

Based in Caerphilly, Print Sauce creates everything from eye-catching graphics for heavy-goods lorries, to roller banners and PVC posters.

Its impressive list of clients includes Warner Bros, who they fit huge promotional graphics to the front of cinemas for. Print Sauce also works for the University of Cardiff, Cardiff Met, University of South Wales, Monmouthshire Council and a range of smaller businesses.

In her apprenticeship role, the 18-year-old has enjoyed practical experience in many aspects of the industry, where she sees her future.

She said: “I help make all types of signage, printing, and vehicle graphics. This involves cutting down boards, laminating, operating printers and vinyl cutters and anything similar to do with sign making.”

During the apprenticeship, ACT offered Lois monthly check-ins to gauge her progress. She also had someone she could call or email, should she need it. Overall, the experience has given her skills to help ensure an exciting career lies ahead.

She said: “I have developed my communication methods and feel more confident in speaking with customers. The employer provided constant help and support with the role. Staff members took the time to go through tasks with me. Everyone has also helped to make me feel valued and part of the team.”

Lois became aware of ACT Training through her school’s Youth Worker and she doesn’t believe most school leavers know the range of options on offer after GCSEs. If someone is considering an apprenticeship, rather than college or university, her advice is: “Go for it!” She added: “On the job experience and training while earning a salary is a big benefit.”

 With all the added skills and experience under her belt, Lois is now planning her next step, with a career goal of becoming a Production Manager, responsible for all the processes within the print department.

Looking to the future, she added: “The print industry is massive and my skills are transferable to other companies.”

If you’re planning your future and fancy landing a career in a firm that excites you, visit our Business Administration page!

Head over to our Routes we Offer page to find out more about the work-based qualifications we offer.