The Rise of the Apprentices:
At Educationwise, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with many incredible organizations, but Premier Chilterns truly stands out as a shining example of the transformative power of apprenticeships. Since opening their doors in 2013, Premier Chilterns has reached a significant milestone, welcoming their 165th employee—yet another apprentice stepping into their first professional role. This new team member was paired with Kieran Phillips, a mentor who has recently completed his Level 4 apprenticeship and is continuing his journey with a Level 5 teaching apprenticeship. Overseeing this development is Rob Bailes Collins, Operations Assistant and a former apprentice himself, who has been with Premier Chilterns for over seven years.
These apprentices aren’t just part of the team at Premier Chilterns—they are the team.
A Business Built on Apprenticeships:
Since their inception, Premier Chilterns has experienced first-hand the impact of investing in apprenticeships. Of the 165 staff employed over the years, 38 have been apprentices. Today, almost half of their current workforce (24 out of 55) are either active apprentices or have completed their apprenticeships. In fact, over half of their middle leadership team—6 out of 10—started as apprentices before rising through the ranks to take on leadership roles.
The numbers speak volumes, but they only scratch the surface of what apprentices have brought to this business.
Apprentices Leading the Way:
Premier Chilterns has cultivated a strong leadership pipeline through apprenticeships. Kitty Haggerty, their current Recruitment Manager, began as an apprentice and now plays a critical role in identifying and bringing in new talent. Rob Bailes Collins, who started his career as an apprentice, is now the Operations Assistant, managing 56 staff members. Hayley Talmer, another former apprentice, now oversees six wraparound care venues as a Childcare Assistant.
These key team members, along with many others, showcase the exceptional growth and value apprenticeships provide—not only for the apprentices themselves but for the entire organization.
Kieran Phillips, having just graduated from his Level 4 apprenticeship, is stepping into a mentor role, guiding new apprentices while continuing his own professional journey. Former apprentices like Kieran Tite and Ella Litchfield have also moved up to Team Leader positions, illustrating the clear career progression available through their apprenticeship programmes.
The Impact of Apprenticeships
The apprenticeship model embraced by Premier Chilterns isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building lasting careers and creating a skilled, loyal workforce. Apprentices bring a fresh perspective, new ideas, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. They grow alongside the company, gaining a deep understanding of its culture and processes, which positions them for long-term success.
One of the standout benefits of apprenticeships is the loyalty they inspire. The investment Premier Chilterns has made in developing their apprentices is often repaid many times over, as these individuals tend to stay with the company far beyond their training period. They don’t just work for Premier Chilterns—they become an integral part of its foundation, shaping the business and its future.
The Future: Powered by Apprenticeships
As Premier Chilterns continues to grow, it’s clear that apprenticeships have become more than just a hiring strategy—they are the driving force behind the company’s success. The next generation of leaders is already stepping up, learning, and taking on greater responsibilities.
This isn’t just a story of apprentices filling vacancies—it’s about them becoming the pillars of Premier Chilterns. As partners, we at Educationwise couldn’t be prouder of the impact these apprentices have made. Together, we’re helping shape a future where apprenticeships continue to build strong, capable teams and foster sustainable growth.
