Embarking on an apprenticeship can be a life-changing experience, providing hands-on learning and the opportunity to develop both technical and professional skills. For Maddie Watts, her apprenticeship at Roake Studio has been exactly that—a journey of growth, creativity, and discovery. Roake Studio, a design and craftsmanship-focused business known for its innovative approach, gave Maddie the perfect environment to apply her passion for design and learn from industry professionals.
This case study explores Maddie’s journey, highlighting the valuable experiences she gained, the challenges she overcame, and how the apprenticeship has shaped her career ambitions. From mastering new techniques to contributing to real-world projects, Maddie’s story is a testament to the power of apprenticeships in unlocking potential and paving the way for future success.
1. Maddie’s Successes So Far
Maddie has quickly become an essential member of the Roake Studio team. From day one, she’s shown an impressive ability to adapt to the various aspects of our studio operations, from order fulfilment to product manufacturing. She consistently meets deadlines, ensuring that products are packed and dispatched accurately and promptly. Maddie has excelled in her customer-facing role as well, responding to digital enquiries with professionalism and maintaining a positive, approachable demeanor at our pop-up events. Her growth has been a testament to her hard work and commitment to both her role and our company values.
2. New Skills Strengthened and Developed
Since starting her apprenticeship at Roake Studio, Maddie has developed a wide range of skills that are integral to her role:
Order Fulfilment & Logistics: Maddie has become highly proficient in picking, packing, and posting orders, including using the Royal Mail online system for shipping. Her attention to detail has helped reduce errors and ensure timely deliveries.
In-House Manufacturing: Maddie has gained valuable hands-on experience with product creation, including cutting, making, and finishing our products in-house. Her skill and dedication ensure that our high-quality standards are consistently met.
Customer Service: Maddie has developed strong communication skills, handling customer inquiries digitally and at pop-up events. Her ability to connect with customers and represent Roake Studio has been a key asset to our customer relations.
Stock Management: Through using our website and wholesale systems, Maddie has become proficient in managing stock and completing order fulfilment tasks efficiently.
3. Initiatives to Enhance Learning & Contributions Beyond Assigned Tasks
Maddie has shown a proactive approach in every aspect of her apprenticeship. She took the initiative to improve our stock management process, suggesting a new system that has increased efficiency during busy periods. Additionally, she streamlined our quality-checking process, which has resulted in fewer returns due to product defects.
Maddie has also made a significant impact on the physical environment of the studio. By reorganising workstations and creating a more efficient flow, she has contributed to a better overall working environment for the entire team. These improvements not only made the space more functional but also enhanced team productivity.
4. How the Apprenticeship Has Benefited the Team
Maddie’s apprenticeship has brought numerous benefits to the Roake Studio team. Her reliability in managing the day-to-day tasks of order fulfilment and manufacturing has allowed senior team members to focus on other critical areas, such as product development and business strategy. Her contributions have had a ripple effect, boosting the efficiency and morale of the entire team.
At our pop-up events, Maddie’s friendly and engaging manner has helped foster positive customer relationships, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone who interacts with the Roake Studio brand. Her presence at these events has made a tangible difference in our ability to maintain high customer engagement levels.
5. Measurable Outcomes
Maddie’s contributions have resulted in measurable outcomes that highlight her positive impact:
Operational Efficiency: By refining the order fulfilment process, Maddie has helped reduce delivery delays by ensuring that products are shipped in a timely manner.
Product Quality: Her initiative in enhancing product quality checks led to a decrease in returns due to product defects, which has directly contributed to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Customer Satisfaction: Maddie’s interactions with customers, both digitally and at events, have contributed to an increase in positive customer feedback, which has been reflected in an improvement in our overall satisfaction ratings.
6. Future Plans for Maddie
At Roake Studio, we are excited to continue supporting Maddie’s growth. Over the next year, we plan to provide her with more leadership opportunities, such as taking charge of small-scale projects and assisting in event planning. We are also eager to offer her further training to develop expertise in specific areas, such as design and development skills, with the goal of positioning her for a more senior role in the near future.
7. Would You Recommend Hiring Apprentices?
Absolutely! We’ve found that hiring apprentices like Maddie has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity to bring in fresh talent and ideas while giving employees hands-on experience that will help shape their careers.
We’ve seen first hand how apprentices can enhance productivity, improve processes, and contribute to our company culture. We would highly recommend hiring apprentices to other businesses looking to foster new talent and drive innovation within their teams.
You can read more about Maddie's journey and Roake Studio on the OnTheWight website. If you are interested in hiring or becoming an apprentice, please reach out to our apprenticeship team who will be happy to explain all options to you as either an employer or a potential apprentice.