06/08/26
The people behind Peartree: Nichola Underwood
In order to develop talent and build a skilled workforce, we work with a number of apprenticeship programs. Over the past few years this has been an incredibly successful strategy for us. Emma is great example of a team member who has been recruited through the apprenticeship route and is now an established and valued members of the Peartree team.
Emma – Bid Manager
Emma Asker-Wilson joined Peartree in 2021 on a two-year apprenticeship programme and is now our Bid Manager, working alongside our Marketing and Sales departments. Emma works with key stakeholders across the business to identify new business opportunities and is responsible for producing our new business tender documents.
“I was doing my GCSE’s the year that Covid hit. I originally had plans to go to sixth form but because of the pandemic my year at school didn’t have to do exams and after I completed Year 11, I decided to leave school. I applied for a number of apprenticeships on the Government website and was approached by a traineeship who put me on a six-week Administration course and sent me on a number of interviews with companies who were interested in employing apprentices.
“After an initial interview Peartree took me on as an apprentice. I spent four days a week in the office working with the Sales department and one day at college doing a Business Administration apprenticeship. I finished my exams in January 2023 when I was taken on as Junior Marketing Manager, and then four months ago I moved over to Bid Manager. I get to work across the whole tender cycle, from the original opportunity to the contract mobilisation.
“Doing an apprenticeship has given me so many opportunities. I’ve gained practical and theoretical experience at the same time as earning a salary. I’m now a mentor for a new apprentice who joined Peartree in July and I look forward to passing on some of my learnings to her.
“Since I joined Peartree the cleaning industry has changed significantly. AI and new technology are becoming a crucial differentiator for business. Our clients are increasingly interested in data led cleaning services, and ESG is moving up the agenda for most organisations.”
A commitment to excellence
Beyond individual success stories, Peartree’s commitment to apprenticeships reflects our broader industry leadership. In an era shaped by technological advancement and evolving client demands, apprenticeships not only bridge skills gaps but also drive innovation and service excellence.
Recognised as the Apprentice of the Year 2023 at The Hill Club, Emma’s accolade highlights our dedication to nurturing talent and setting benchmarks in skills development.
“Receiving the Apprentice of the Year award was a tremendous honour, not just for me but for Peartree too. As a company we’re committed to developing our people and shaping the future of the cleaning industry through apprenticeships.”
By investing in talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we not only secure our place as industry leaders but also empower individuals like Emma to thrive in their careers.
