Introducing Billy Mudge – Our Business Administration Apprentice

We are delighted to introduce Billy Mudge, our Business Administration Apprentice, who joined us at the start of 2026.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to hear directly from him about his decision to enrol on an apprenticeship, how he is finding his first month with us, and what he is looking forward to achieving during his course.

Why an apprenticeship?

Having completed A-Levels in Psychology, Media and Photography in June 2025, an apprenticeship always felt like the right next step.

I wanted to move into the workplace and start developing practical, hands-on skills. I have always been interested in creativity and media, so my initial plan was to pursue a career in that industry. When opportunities were limited, I began looking more broadly and discovered Business Administration. I realised it still offered opportunities in marketing and content creation, while also giving me experience across other areas of a business.

This combination made the apprenticeship route feel like the right fit for what I want to achieve in the future.

Why CIPHE?

The role immediately stood out to me because it offered experience across several departments, including marketing, membership and finance.

From my first interview, CIPHE felt like a supportive and welcoming place to work. Since joining, I have been encouraged to develop my skills in marketing while also gaining confidence and independence in other departments. This has helped me build a well-rounded understanding of how the organisation works and how different teams support one another.

It has given me a strong foundation for my future career.

First impressions after one month

One of the biggest surprises has been how quickly workloads can change.

Some days are fast-paced, while others are quieter, but this variety has allowed for rapid learning and the chance to apply new skills in real situations. As a result, confidence and independence are growing quickly, alongside a strong understanding of processes and responsibilities.

A varied role

No two days are the same.

Some days are spent in the marketing department, creating content, working on campaigns and producing materials for events. On other days, time is spent supporting the membership team by processing invoices, handling enquiries, liaising with members and approved training centres, and assisting with payments and memberships.

This variety means I am always learning something new and contributing in different ways across the organisation.

Skills and development

Since joining, I have developed my understanding of membership systems and business software that were completely new to me. In marketing, I am also using new tools for scheduling and creating social media content, while continuing to build on my existing skills within Adobe Creative Cloud.

There is still a lot to learn, and I am looking forward to developing further throughout my apprenticeship.

Looking ahead

By the end of the apprenticeship, the aim is to achieve a distinction grade and leave with strong, transferable skills and real workplace experience.

One of the highlights to look forward to is being involved in the World Plumbing Conference 2026. As a global event held every three years, it offers an exciting opportunity to support the logistics and be part of a project that brings together knowledge, development and a strong sense of community across the plumbing and heating industry.

Advice for others considering an apprenticeship

“I would honestly encourage anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to go for it, especially in the current job market. An apprenticeship allows you to build real skills and gain experience at the same time, which is something that really helps when it comes to future job opportunities and interviews.

For me, the biggest benefit is learning in a real working environment while developing knowledge that I can carry forward into my career. It gives you a head start and helps you understand how a workplace really operates.

At CIPHE, we are proud to support apprenticeships and to play our part in developing the next generation of talent within the plumbing and heating industry. Billy’s enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn have already made a positive impact, and we look forward to supporting him throughout his apprenticeship journey.