It’s safety first for Sheffield’s Omnia Property Group as Shannon West demonstrates the strength of an apprentice based approach to business success.
The Omnia Property Group works across all areas of the property market including block and commercial property management, offices, student accommodation, residential lettings and facilities management.
Shannon joined the Omnia team 12 years ago as an 18-year-old apprentice receptionist.
And having decided that she wanted to stay with the company, she has continued her training and progressed to become the Omnia Property Group Health and Safety Manager, fully qualified and accredited with the industry’s official regulator, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).
Shannon is responsible for the company’s national portfolio of commercial, student and residential blocks, ensuring that all services are properly maintained at all times.
“I always knew I didn’t want to go to university but I did go to college for a while and even then I knew that I wanted to work and get practical experience,” Shannon said. “I wanted training and qualifications and that’s exactly what an apprenticeship with Omnia gave me.
“And even though my original training was as a receptionist, Omnia gave me the encouragement I needed to develop my skills, even supporting me when I had time out to become a mum.
“I don’t think that 12 years ago I would ever have thought I’d be where I am today and I don’t think that would have been possible without Omnia’s constant backing.”
Managing Director Joanne Race said: “Shannon is now one of our longest serving and most valued team members.
“We are very keen to promote professional opportunities through training and Shannon is the perfect example of how well an apprenticeship can work.
“She has grown as the company has grown and her contribution to our success is enormous.”
The Omnia Property Group, based at Omnia One in Sheffield’s Queen Street, was established in Sheffield in 2004 and was acquired in a management buy out in 2017 by business partners Joanne Race and Amy Ryan.
With a base already established nationwide, the company – made up of Omnia Space, Omnia Offices and Omnia Estates – has now grown into a major player covering the whole of the UK, with a workforce of 60.
