Where are they now?

“Ricoh has given me the opportunity to develop personally through a programme of education developing skills at every level of my engineering career. This investment in my personal development has enabled me to progress through the ranks to lead a team in an advanced manufacturing environment. Knowing how important the apprenticeship programme is, I take the role of mentoring apprentices in my area as a privilege”

“Having worked at RPL for over 25 years, I can say that the apprenticeship programme was instrumental in developing the skills I needed that ultimately shaped and guided me into the role I hold today. From a junior engineer to a more engineering specialist role, I was always encouraged and supported to innovate which, over the years, has been key to contributing to both personal and company success.”

"Without the Ricoh apprenticeship, I can honestly say I would not be where I am today. Having joined as a Commercial Apprentice, I have progressed through the organisation thanks to Ricoh’s strong blend of mentoring, professional and vocational qualifications and the opportunity to actively contribute to the business. The Ricoh apprenticeship provided me with real responsibility early on, enabling me to gain invaluable experience and confidence. My apprenticeship included studying for professional qualifications which means I now possess a 1st class Business Management Degree and a Distinction MBA qualification. Ricoh has a long history of former apprentices going on to take senior positions within the organisation, and since finishing my apprenticeship in 2013, I am now the Senior Specialist in our Business Development and Planning department. If you get the opportunity to join Ricoh as an apprentice, grab it with both hands and don’t let go!"

"My apprenticeship gave me a broad understanding of what makes the business tick. Being fresh from my A-Levels I didn’t have a clue what half the departments did. Along the way I’ve learnt a lot, met some great people and developed key partnerships, colleagues and friends. I’ve been here over 16 years now and my Health & Safety role requires me to go literally everywhere on our sites. It’s great to have developed such strong relationships with people from all work areas, which is invaluable to the work I do. My Commercial apprenticeship has made this possible."

"I started at RPL as a Technical Apprentice. After 8 years of college and university I made my way up the engineering ladder to a Senior Engineer position with a team of my own, introducing new products and developing automation equipment. Joining the apprenticeship scheme was the best decision I could have made. Ricoh has trained, educated and developed me into the engineer I am today."

"I started my career at Ricoh in 2010, wanting to pursue a career in Business Management. The Commercial apprenticeship gave me an opportunity to learn all about different commercial functions within a business, whilst at the same time, whilst developing my skills through both academic and on-the-job learning. Since completing my apprenticeship, the company have been incredibly supportive of my continued development, both professionally and academically. I can confidently say I would not have achieved what I have to date without going through my apprenticeship experience. It’s great to have the opportunity to work for an organisation that cares so much about their People Talent."

"I started my career at Ricoh as a commercial apprentice in 2014. I worked in different departments including HR, IT, Finance, Business Development and Purchasing. I enjoyed my Finance placement which is where I finished the final year of my apprenticeship. I then applied for a role within the department and I am now Business Analyst. During my apprenticeship, I also completed a HNC in Business Studies and have since completed my CIMA qualification. I recommend the apprenticeship programme as it allows you to gain important key skills, whilst working within the different commercial departments at Ricoh."

“I completed my Business Development Degree apprenticeship in August 2020 and started a new role as a Business Development Coordinator. My current development plan includes Chartered Manager Degree studies at Aston University to support my new role. The apprenticeship programme helped me to develop my knowledge and skills, allowing me to keep progressing. The apprenticeship programme has been vital in enabling me to start building my career so early on. I look forward to the other exciting opportunities that Ricoh has to offer.”