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Apprenticeships at YPO: Shelbie’s story

News
Ashley Wilkins
13 Feb 2025

Seven months into her business administration apprenticeship in the social value team at YPO, Shelbie Barratt is loving a job in which no two days are the same and says her only regret is not finding out about this career path earlier.

“When I was at school, I felt like college and university were the only options I had,” says Shelbie, 26, who lives in Wakefield. “If I had known more about the apprenticeships on offer, I would have done it a lot sooner. I think it’s a very good way to learn and develop skills, as well as being able to earn money.”

Shelbie had a range of jobs before joining YPO, one of the UK’s largest public sector buying organisations. She spent five years in hospitality and also had roles as a support worker for young adults with autism and challenging behaviour, working in temporary accommodation for asylum seekers and at a debt recovery agency.

“I had never heard the term social value before starting my role. I knew about different way companies helped with the environment but wasn’t aware it would come under the term social value,” she laughs.

Shelbie found out about apprenticeships at YPO through friends who were already on the career path at our HQ and warehouse in Wakefield. “They constantly told me what a great place to work it was,” she says. “They were right. Everyone has been so friendly and approachable.”

She combines her job with fortnightly classes with a tutor. “During these classes we go over different skills and aspects of being a business admin, which we then use to complete assignments,” she says.

After an 18-month apprenticeship, Shelbie will gain a level 3 business administration qualification and hopes to secure a permanent role at YPO.

“I also learn a lot from my team members at YPO,” she says. “We do a range of different things. We are working towards getting the company to net zero, we are on hand to assist with the social value aspects that are in our tenders, we organise volunteering opportunities for staff to attend, we send donations to voluntary, community and social enterprises – that’s just a broad overview of what we do.

“For me, the only thing that stays the same on a day-to-day basis is that I monitor the social value inbox and arrange donation boxes to be sent to VCSEs. As the social value team assists many teams across the company, no two days are the same.”

Social value and sustainability manager Natalie Holden said: “Shelbie has quickly settled in to become a valued member of YPO’s social value team. She is eager to be involved in all of the many aspects of the work we do, while learning valuable skills that will help her in her career.

“It’s wonderful for us to have an apprentice in our team, because apprenticeships bring many social value benefits, including helping communities fill skills gaps, tackling unemployment and giving people the chance to pursue a new career.”

Shelbie is now sold on her new career helping people to make a positive difference as part of their working lives. “It is a very rewarding job,” she says.
And her advice to anyone seeking to take the apprenticeship route into a new career? “Go for it.”

Ashley Wilkins YPO

Author

Ashley Wilkins

PR and Communications Officer for Public Sector

YPO

Ashley is a PR and Communications officer for the public sector side of the organisation. This involves supporting communications to local authorities, emergency services, housing, NHS and the wider public sector. Ashley is responsible for assisting with PR and media relations, stakeholder communications and public affairs, content strategy and creation, research, as well as corporate comms such as strategic partnerships, sponsorship, events, awards and delivering the annual report.