OB Resident in Focus: Lucy Marshall

Name and Role:Lucy Marshall. Community Manager, Workplus

Company elevator pitch:Workplus exists to make it easier for employers to find apprentices and vice versa. My role involves supporting the Workplus employer network and engaging with schools and colleges. I’m also enjoying working on other Workplus projects, such as mentoring training for employers, and collaborating with employers and careers teachers to deliver meaningful work experience for young people.

Business/career goal for 2022:In the first half of 2022, I’ve enjoyed learning more about the benefits of apprenticeships across multiple sectors in Northern Ireland and expanding my network. I’m now looking forward to building on these relationships with companies and schools, and to Workplus co-ordinating formative work experience opportunities for young people.

What excites you most about your role?I love the people-facing aspects of my role as I work with a variety of audiences – from employers in the private and public sectors, to teachers and young people – and I love seeing how my work can help solve frustrations for each one of them, developing improvements to make it easier to find an apprenticeship. I’m also enjoying being based in Ormeau Baths, meeting lots of enterprising people and hearing about the variety of work that each member is doing. I’ve learnt never to be surprised at what someone might be working on – and this even benefitted me the other week when I ended up on NBC news (may have only been for 2 seconds though!)

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?The stretching can also be very rewarding – I need to keep pushing the ‘comfortable’ boundaries to make the most of opportunities.

What advice would you give to others right now?Ask questions and prioritise walks in the fresh air.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you? I sang with my school choir in Carnegie Hall, New York.

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?To have the patience to grow a colourful garden!

Who is your dream business mentor?To be honest, I don’t think I could choose just one person … I gain so much from meeting with a variety of people, hearing their unique stories, asking questions, and learning from their advice. I’m always challenged by the diverse experiences we all have so having lots of mentors (and lots of coffees!) is my dream!

Where can people find out more about your business?www.workplus.app