National Apprenticeship Week – Meet Ollie

Ollie is currently completing a Level 4 Sales Executive apprenticeship at Protec, where he is developing his skills in account management and sales while gaining hands-on experience within the business.

The apprenticeship combines structured learning with day-to-day commercial responsibilities, enabling him to apply new knowledge directly to live accounts, client relationships and sales targets.

He chose the apprenticeship route because of the balance it offers between practical experience and formal learning. “An apprenticeship allows you to gain hands-on experience while developing recognised qualifications,” Ollie explains. “Learning on the job at Protec means I can immediately apply what I’m taught to real accounts, real clients and real targets.”

Protec stood out to Ollie as a market leader in temporary protection and signage, with a strong reputation across the construction industry. He was also drawn to the level of responsibility offered early on. “Protec gives you real responsibility from the start,” he says. “This has allowed me to develop while learning from experienced colleagues in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.”

One of the most unexpected areas of development has been confidence. Through regular client calls, meetings and presentations, Ollie has significantly strengthened his communication skills. “I didn’t expect to gain as much confidence as I have,” he says. “Working directly with clients has helped me feel more comfortable influencing decisions and building long-term relationships.”

Looking ahead, Ollie is focused on building on his current responsibilities by taking on larger or more complex accounts and contributing more strategically to account growth. “I want to continue developing long-term client relationships and play a bigger role in supporting account growth as I progress through my apprenticeship,” he explains.

Ollie is also clear in his advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship. “It’s a great option if you want to gain experience, earn while you learn and develop practical skills quickly,” he says. “Be proactive, stay organised and use the support around you to build your confidence.”