Unlocking Potential with Opos Limited

This year, Scottish Apprenticeship Week, takes place from March 6th to 10th, with the theme ‘Unlocking Potential’. This week long initiative aims to shed light on the many ways apprenticeships are helping young people, professionals, and businesses to unlock their full potential and positively affect their society and economy. 

Based in Dumbarton, Scotland, Opos Limited is a debt collection agency which has experienced significant growth and success, in part due to its commitment to investing in its people. For several years we have supported Opos in the development of their apprenticeship programme. 

We spoke with Machella Dewar, Business Development Consultant at Babington and Ross Docherty, Trainee Collections Manager at Opos Limited, who work together, to find out more about the apprenticeship programme at Opos. 

How does Babington support the apprenticeship program at Opos?

Machella answered, ‘Babington deliver the Providing Financial Services SCQF 6  qualification to new apprentices and existing staff at Opos Limited  

Our Scotland based team support Opos in several ways, initially with the recruitment of apprentices. They advertise the vacancies, work with local referral partners, and manage the pre-screening process. 

During the apprenticeship our Coaches and Trainers have regular check-ins with each apprentice and as they near their end point assessments.

How many apprentices does Opos currently have?

‘There are currently two Babington apprentices working within the Customer Service Advisor team. They are completing the Providing Financial Services SCQF 6 qualification. At the end of March an additional two will also join!  

How have you found working with Babington?

Ross answered, “It has been a great partnership with Opos for the past several years that we have been working together. This partnership has helped with our recruitment due to Babington identifying candidates regularly and arranging for us to make contact to discuss the Modern Apprenticeship positions here at Opos.”

How has Babington helped unlock the potential of the staff at Opos?

Our support has allowed Opos to reach a wider and more diverse pool of applicants. Machella added, “In addition to addressing the skills gap, the apprenticeship program at Opos Limited has also had a positive impact on the apprentices themselves, helping them to gain skills and apply them to their role with ease. By working alongside experienced professionals, apprentices can develop their skills and gain practical experience.”.

 “As well as aiding recruitment, on two occasions the team from Babington have also come on site to discuss the apprenticeship programmes with our existing staff and supplied the opportunity for staff to enter the apprenticeship. We have had several members of staff take up the apprenticeship who have only had positive comments to make about the apprenticeship” , explained Ross.

Are there plans to expand the apprenticeship programme?

Machella answered. “We will work with Opos as needed to ensure the apprenticeship programme continues to add value to business.

Although most of apprentices on programme work within the Customer Service advisor roles, we have also had a member of staff within the administrative position complete their Business Admin SCQF 6 with Babington which helped them develop their skills and knowledge within the sector.”

The apprenticeship program at Opos Limited continues to be a great success. By investing in its people, the company has been able to identify and develop talented individuals, address the skills gap, and promote diversity and inclusivity. The program has not only benefited the company but also the apprentices themselves, providing them with valuable skills and experience that will help them succeed in the industry. It is clear that apprenticeships have the potential to unlock the potential of individuals and help companies grow and succeed, regardless of the industry they operate in.