Jack Hayward, Babble: From Apprentice to Star – Rising to Every Challenge

We are pleased to announce that Jack Hayward of Babble has won our Rising Star Award for 2024.

Jack joined the cloud solutions provider Babble in 2022 on a Customer Service Level 2 programme. ‘Before I started my apprenticeship, I had taken some time to recover from illness and considered myself too old and too ill to do an apprenticeship, but from the moment I signed up, I felt appreciated and well supported.’

Like many working in a customer-centric role, Jack had to juggle the demands of a responsive work environment with his apprenticeship studies. His tutor, Jim Owens, has seen first-hand Jack’s incredible work ethic. ‘Despite working in a busy environment, Jack always produces high-quality work, and his attitude to both his job and his programme is first class.’

Jim continues: ‘I’ve seen huge development in Jack’s customer service skills. I’ve witnessed him interacting with a wide range of customers, having to resolve complex problems and difficult situations. It’s been fantastic to watch Jack grow into a senior member of the team, and I have seen him supporting newer colleagues, showing patience and demonstrating excellent coaching skills.’

One of the most inspiring aspects of Jack's development is his resilience. Despite facing personal challenges, including autism, Jack has displayed extraordinary determination. With support from his manager and his own strategies, Jack has overcome stress and difficult situations, demonstrating an impressive ability not to let challenges overwhelm him.

Jack reflects on his experience as an apprentice: ‘When I was at university, I felt the learning was very theory-based. However, by being part of a workforce on an apprenticeship, I’ve received practical, up-to-date training and been able to implement the skills I have learned immediately, so they can best benefit customers.’

Jack's apprenticeship journey is marked by a significant development in his relationship-building skills, both with external customers and internal colleagues. His ability to communicate effectively with engineers and secure successful resolutions for customers stands as a testament to his interpersonal skills. Moreover, Jack's journey reflects a remarkable increase in confidence, a trait that has positively impacted him both within and outside the workplace.

Jack’s manager, Charlie Down-Dyke, could not agree more: ‘Jack has a fantastic attitude and is a key member of our team. He is attentive to our customers, understanding their frustrations, and he takes on board everything he’s learned. He truly deserves this award for all his hard work.’

Jack’s story highlights the transformative power of apprenticeship programmes in nurturing talent and fostering professional growth. Through his experience at Babble and his Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship, Jack has developed crucial skills, including communication, self-awareness, and the ability to effectively address customer needs, all of which have built his confidence and will serve him well as he looks to take the next steps in his career.

Congratulations, Jack!