Published: Wed 31 Jan 2024 at 11:50
A 56-year-old Procurement Apprentice from Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to completing an apprenticeship this National Apprenticeship Week.
Jyoti Patel, from Keighley in Bradford, made the tough decision to step away from her promising career in procurement after the arrival of her second child in 1999. After dedicating herself to being a full-time mum, Jyoti retrained as a secondary school teacher, in the hope that she could continue to care for her two children.
After ten years of working as a teacher, Jyoti decided to return to her career in procurement, when her second child headed off to university. In 2022, she was offered a role as a Procurement Apprentice with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, and Jyoti stepped back into the field.
Commenting on her return to procurement, Jyoti said: “When my second child headed off to university, the opportunity arose for me to start thinking about picking up my career where I had left it many years previously. Despite hesitations, I embraced the opportunity and started applying for positions. I decided on an apprenticeship, as I wanted to learn on the job and receive an income at the same time. After facing multiple rejections, due to my absence from the field, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays offered me a job through their Apprenticeship scheme. I initially thought that apprenticeships were just for younger people, but I now realise that they’re for any age.”
As part of her role at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which provides the opportunity to gain practical work experience and professional training, Jyoti successfully passed her Charted Institute of Procurement and Supply qualification. Jyoti explained: “I initially had reservations about studying again at this stage in my life, but soon realised that I was thoroughly enjoying the challenge of learning, and my confidence grew with every exam I passed. This was my stepping stone to a career as a Procurement Buyer, which I have waited to progress for a long time.”
Recognising the importance of fostering talent and creating an apprenticeship programme that is for people of all ages, and stages of their career, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will be showcasing their support for the 17th annual National Apprenticeship Week. With a current cohort of over 150 apprentices, the companies’ values of growing a multigenerational workforce align perfectly with the 2024 National Apprenticeship Week theme of “Skills for Life”.
As a supporter of 2024 National Apprenticeship Week, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will be hosting a series of planned activities from 5th – 11th February in celebration of the annual event. These include promoting opportunities at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, developing ideas to support the ‘Jet2 Journey to Net Zero’ and Sustainability strategy, a Barclays Digital Eagles session on managing money, and encouraging apprentices to deliver career talks at their schools and colleges.
With apprenticeships available at all levels (Level 2 to Level 7) across Finance, Engineering, HR, IT, Marketing, Operations Control, Health & Safety, Ground Operations, Contact Centre and Procurement, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are committed to investing in their colleagues to support their professional success. Apprenticeship roles are available for those entering the workplace to train towards industry recognised qualifications, or for existing colleagues wanting to progress within their careers and learn new skills.
Speaking about her experience as an apprentice at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, Jyoti said: “Jet2’s apprenticeship scheme shattered stereotypes, welcoming me with open arms. Their inclusive policies and unwavering support have made me feel like I'm in 'employment heaven.' I'm excited about the positive career progress that lies ahead.”
She added: “It's early days in this new chapter, but the positive vibes at Jet2 fuel my confidence in a future brimming with professional growth. I would recommend anyone who thinks they are too old to apply for an apprenticeship that they reconsider and just go for it. I am so grateful to Jet2 for providing this apprenticeship opportunity - it is the best career move I have made!”
Katie Rankin, Emerging Talent and Careers Manager at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Whilst many people associate apprenticeships with young people, at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays we are keen to foster an apprenticeship programme that welcomes people of all ages and proves there is no upper age limit. Jyoti is a fantastic example of how apprenticeships are a great vehicle for helping people to retrain. Attitudes towards apprenticeships are starting to change, as people realise that they are a positive route for anyone, no matter who you are and what stage of your career you’re at.”
