Mason Farrell, Whispering Smith: A Path to Leadership

The Rising Star award recognises a young individual who has made exceptional progress while studying an apprenticeship, and this year we’re delighted to announce that it has been awarded to Mason Farrell of Whispering Smith.

Mason joined Whispering Smith in 2018, having been recruited by Intec’s Apprenticeship Recruitment Service onto a Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 programme at the age of 16. Since then, he has not only risen through the ranks at Whispering Smith but has also completed a Business Administrator Level 3 programme, achieving a Distinction in both.

Now an Assistant Warehouse Manager, at just 20 years old, he is on track to complete his third programme with training partner Intec: Team Leader/Supervisor Level 3.

Apprenticeships are all about taking the first or next step in a career, developing new skills, and building confidence, and Mason has fully embraced this: “I’ve gained knowledge and experience, developing my communication skills. Working alongside Lee and the other managers has given me an insight into how to be professional and represent the business with various stakeholders. This has enabled me to earn the respect of my colleagues and the Management Team. As I have moved through my career and my role has changed, apprenticeships have helped me adapt to different roles and situations.”

His manager, Lee Coker (who won our Mentor of the Year Award in 2022), has championed apprenticeships to grow and develop his team: “Mason helped to pilot the way for us to take on more apprentices and expand the partnership with Intec into other qualifications and apprenticeships. I take pride in the increase in apprentices, and their knowledge has improved the vibrancy and operation of our business.”

Lee saw Mason’s potential from the start: “Mason has developed beyond my expectations of an apprentice; he is an example to all the team here of how to achieve and progress in the workplace. He is mature and reliable, and his willingness to undertake his Team Leader qualification is testimony to his desire to work and learn. An ambassador for the business, I have great faith in him.”

His tutor, John Felton, who has been with him since the start of his apprenticeship journey and nominated Mason for the award, has seen him move from apprentice to mentor: “Mason is a conscientious individual and has recently helped a colleague through his knowledge test, helping him to score a Distinction of 20/20! He has now started to mentor four more apprentices in his workplace. Mason is mature beyond his years and a role model for others around the business.”

Mason clearly has a bright future ahead of him.

Congratulations, Mason!