Former Apprentice Zoe Varney, Celebrates Customer Service Success
At Total Hire & Sales, we’re passionate about investing in people and creating opportunities for the next generation. Zoe Varney is a fantastic example of how an apprenticeship can provide the foundations for a rewarding and successful career.
After successfully completing her Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship over the last 18 moths, Zoe has continued her career with Total Hire & Sales as a Credit Controller, where she plays an important role within our Accounts team, supporting customers and colleagues across the business.
We caught up with Zoe to hear about her apprenticeship journey, what she learned along the way and why she’d encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.
Congratulations on your qualification! What was your apprenticeship in and where did you study?
Thank you! I studied at West Notts College – Derby Road Campus one day a week while working in the accounts team at Total Hire and Sales, to gain my Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 qualification.
What does your day-to-day role at Total Hire and Sales involve?
I work within the accounts team to support customers with account queries and invoice enquiries. It involves answering customers by phone or email, constantly communicating with our team and building positive relationships with the teams at each depot and all our hire customers.
Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?
An apprenticeship offered the chance to gain practical work experience while earning a qualification. It gave me the opportunity to develop problem solving skills and communicating with the customers.
How did Total Hire and Sales support you in your apprenticeship?
The Total Hire team was really supportive throughout and provided me with training, guidance, feedback and opportunities to constantly learn new skills.
What have been the highlights during your training?
Getting paid work experience while building my communication and customer service skills. I’m proud of how my skills and confidence have developed.
Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship to other people?
Yes, it’s a great way to learn while you earn and an apprenticeship is a good way to develop and build confidence within a workplace.
What do you hope to do in your future career?
I hope to continue developing my communication and problem-solving skills, gain more experience and eventually progress to a role with more responsibility.
Investing in Future Talent
At Total Hire & Sales, we believe our people are our greatest asset. Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills, gain valuable industry experience and build long-term careers within our business.
We’re incredibly proud of Zoe’s achievements and happy that she has chosen to continue her career with the Total Hire & Sales team. Her success demonstrates the opportunities that apprenticeships can provide and reflects our ongoing commitment to developing talented people from within.
Andy Hickingbottom, Director and General Manager at Total Hire and Sales commented:
“Zoe’s apprenticeship is a fantastic example of how investing in people benefits both the individual and the business. Throughout her apprenticeship she demonstrated a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine commitment to delivering excellent customer service. We’re extremely proud of everything she has achieved and look forward to supporting her continued development and future career with Total Hire & Sales.”
Interested in an Apprenticeship?
Whether you’re leaving school, looking for a career change or want to gain practical experience while earning a recognised qualification, an apprenticeship with Total Hire & Sales could be the perfect place to start.
We’re committed to developing the next generation of talent by providing structured training, ongoing support and genuine career opportunities within our growing business.
Visit our careers page to explore our latest apprenticeship opportunities and current vacancies.