Celebrating growth this National Apprenticeship Week: Shola Mcateer

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to shine a light on colleagues across HUC who are developing their skills and advancing their careers through apprenticeship pathways. This week, we are excited to feature Shola Mcateer, our Safeguarding Facilitator Team Lead, who is beginning an exciting new chapter in her professional journey as she begins completing the Safeguarding Officer Level 3 apprenticeship.

Having joined HUC after initially working within the call centre in a number of roles, she has steadily progressed through the organisation, moving into the safeguarding team initially as a Safeguarding Coordinator before taking on her current role.

Shola’s decision to pursue an apprenticeship was inspired by a desire to continue growing within the safeguarding field. With several years of hands-on experience already behind her, she saw this as a natural next step. “The apprenticeship felt like the right next step because it will consolidate the knowledge and expertise I’ve built through experience, while also giving me a formal, recognised qualification in the field,” she explained. “It supports both my current role and my longer-term career ambitions.”

Although the programme officially begins this month, Shola is already looking ahead to how it will help deepen her knowledge and strengthen best practice. “I see the apprenticeship as an opportunity to ensure my work is underpinned by up-to-date legislation and professional standards,” she said, highlighting the important role continuous learning plays in safeguarding.

Support from across HUC has played a key part in enabling Shola to take this step. She credits her Department Head, Nicky Vellacott, with helping make the opportunity a reality. “Nicky has been extremely supportive. Having the organisation actively invest in my development has been very encouraging and shows a genuine commitment to staff progression and learning.”