Instalment One – My first month with Zest

Zest has taken on an apprentice – Harry Lee-Preston, a former arts student from Sussex Downs College. Each month Harry will write a blog entry, encapsulating his experiences and learning during his time with us.

This first month of my apprenticeship has flown by; there are so many things to take in, from printing to finishing to packing and dispatching of completed jobs. I don’t know where the time has gone!

The most important thing I’ve learnt, what I have been told over and over again, is that everything has to be done to the highest possible standard in order to keep the customer happy, as a satisfied customer is one that returns.

After spending a few weeks helping to complete work for the ESCC School Improvement Service I have had the opportunity to work on a few of their training packs from beginning to end. I know I’m not yet the quickest but that will come with time and I’m fortunate enough to be supported by the Zest team who have many years’ experience.

Outside of the office I attended an apprenticeship fair where I heard a talk about the business benefits of taking on apprentices. Included on the panel was the MP for Eastbourne, Stephen Lloyd.

As well as starting this blog, I made it into another media- print! The Eastbourne Herald, together with the Eastbourne and District Chamber of Commerce, interviewed me and on 8^thFebruary the paper published a piece on my life up until now, my apprenticeship and how I was finding the early stages of my career at Zest.

I think I’m performing well in all areas of the print business, although you’d probably be best checking with everyone else here at Zest! I’m certainly happy with my work in the finishing department, it’s definitely where I’m quickest. I hope I’m bringing something to the team here, I know that Annette, Wharf Road Site Manager has benefited from working with me as she now knows what Dubstep is!