Rachael Thompson joined the team at Esh in January 2024 as a Social Value Coordinator, embarking on a new journey after 15 years of working as a teaching assistant.
She quickly became a key member of the team, delivering Esh’s award-winning school programmes like ‘Get into STEM’ in the North East.
In 2025, she marked a new chapter in her professional journey, studying a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, a newly launched course endorsed by His Majesty King Charles III.
We caught up with Rachael to learn more about her journey so far with Esh.
Before joining Esh I’d never heard of social value, but speaking with the team made me realise how much my background in education aligned with the role.
I’d spent years supporting children and families throughout my career, and working in social value has allowed me to continue to make a difference in the local communities that we work in through initiatives like donations, volunteering and school engagement.
Beginning an apprenticeship has opened doors to parts of the business I hadn’t encountered before, and it’s exciting to learn how sustainability and corporate responsibility shape what we do.
As a mum of two, balancing work, studies, and family life isn’t easy, but it’s definitely worth it. I want my children to see that learning doesn’t stop when you reach a certain age and apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers.
I’m continuing to grow professionally, and I’m proud to be part of a company that invests in its people, values development, and gives us the best chance to thrive in our roles, no matter where you are in your career.
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