Business apprentice role makes Maya keen on a home of her own

At 19-years-old, Maya Visram is one of the youngest Chartway Group employees but she’s already focused on the next five years.

After just a short few months of working at the Kent-based construction and development company, Maya has – perhaps unsurprisingly! – decided she wants to buy a house. She’s hoping her future plans come to fruition once she’s got her Business Administration apprenticeship under her belt.

Maya joined Chartway Group after finishing her A-levels at the St Simon Stock school in Maidstone. After taking the decision not to go to university, she spent her time applying for trainee and apprenticeship positions which she says was sometimes demoralising: “I sent out over 40 applications and only heard back from less than half of the companies. It was a stressful time but being invited for an interview at Chartway was a light at the end of the tunnel.”

In September 2017, Maya was offered the role of Business Apprentice and is studying for a Level 2 at MidKent College one day a week whilst working to support the projects team at Chartway Group.

“My role is really varied and working in construction means no two days are the same. I felt at home right from the start and I’m hoping to become a project manager in the future.”

With over 165 employees, Chartway Group has grown considerably since the company was founded in 2009. With a target of taking on around five apprentices per year, it’s fast becoming an employer of choice for many young people looking to get a start out in their careers.

Projects director, Tim McLoughlin, is mentoring Maya and sees a bright future for Maya: “We are fully supportive of those wanting to develop their careers. Maya has done fantastically well so far and shows great potential. Gaining on the job training is vital for her to increase her skills and experience. I am sure Maya will accomplish everything she sets her mind to.”