Introducing our Apprentice of the Year: Lily Davies

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, so we’re shining the spotlight on one of Novus’ true rising stars – and recent winner of our Apprentice of the Year’ trophy at the Novus Awards – Lily Davies, who is working with us as a Junior Bid Writer.

We asked Lily to tell us about her journey so far, and her aspirations for the future – and what she would tell people considering beginning their own apprenticeship journey in our sector.

What’s been your apprenticeship journey so far?

I started my apprenticeship in January 2024 straight after I finished university, and I am due to complete it in January 2026, so I am exactly at the halfway point. Novus flagged the apprenticeship opportunity with me: the People Team messaged me directly to see if it was something I would be interested in, and of course I said yes!

At the moment, I am working towards being promoted from Junior Bid Writer to Bid Writer, which I am hoping will be something I achieve once I complete my apprenticeship. I love writing, so anytime I get to write responses I really enjoy myself, and in the years ahead my ambition is to become a Senior Bid Writer.

You’re part of the Work Winning Team here at Novus – what’s the culture like?

I feel so lucky to be part of this team – it’s a cliché but we are like a family! The Novus culture is so welcoming and warm, and even from my first interview I felt comfortable with all the colleagues I met, and I felt like I fitted into the company very quickly.

My biggest supporter is definitely my line manager, Jess Fleet. She always makes time to help me out, and catches up with me every week, giving me chance to discuss anything that is on my mind and helping me to find solutions to any issues I may have.

What was it like to win the Apprentice of the Year Award – and for your team to win Team of the Year?

Winning the award was an amazing experience to be a part of, and I would never have expected to win an award after just one year with Novus. It makes me really excited for what’s to come in the future. And I’m so proud to be part of an award-winning team too.

Finally, what advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship in our sector?

I’d say: take the opportunity if you can! Even if you change careers in the future, it is such a good opportunity to develop skills you wouldn’t have even considered, such as knowledge of safeguarding, political and economic knowledge, and personal growth. Based on my experience, no one would regret it.

Praising Lily’s contribution to the team, Lucy Makepeace, our Head of Bid Management, said:
“Lily joined us shortly after graduating from University, and she has made a really positive impact to our team (and to the whole of Novus!). She quickly established herself within the department, has a willingness to learn and get involved with wider business initiatives, and brings great energy to our team.

“Lily regularly uses the lessons learnt from her English Linguistics and Creative Writing degree, and has a natural aptitude for writing. This, as well as the wider learnings from her Bid Apprenticeship, is helping her to excel on her Bid Writer career pathway. All of this demonstrates why she was so deserving to win Novus’ Apprentice of the Year award. I look forward to seeing where Lily’s career takes her.”