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From hair stylist to business operations, Jack’s ‘short cut’ to success Jack's story

Jack Denneny’s superpower is being able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

Originally trained as a hairdresser, he joined Serco as a Business Administration apprentice in 2022 and found himself on a ‘short cut’ to success. Jack’s proactive approach has seen him recently appointed into an Operations Administrator role. 

For Jack, moving to the Teesside area was an opportunity to be closer to family support and to branch out into a different career path. He was able to transition the skills he’d learned from his years training in a salon, into a totally different job at Serco’s International Fire Training Centre.

Jack Denneny wearing a fireman's uniform and kit standing on tarmac ground at IFTC. In background, small fires and fire appliances

“As a hairdresser, you’re always working with people,” Jack said. “That job was one of the best things I ever did. It built my confidence so much, helped me become a good communicator and taught me a lot of life skills. You get used to managing your time well, juggling appointments and making sure people are happy with the result. My favourite thing to do in hairdressing was always short hair (for men and women).”

As much as he enjoyed working in a salon, Jack decided he wanted to pursue a different career direction. Right from his interview, Jack had a sense that Serco would be a great place to work, with a strong support network.

“I interviewed at a few companies, but it was after the Serco interview that I knew I really wanted to work here. Luckily, they offered me the role, I accepted within 24 hours, and I haven’t looked back since.”

The business administration apprenticeship takes 18 months to complete, and Jack enjoyed the process. “My development coach was brilliant and a great support throughout it all. My initial role as a Course Coordinator enabled me to learn the ropes at the International Fire Training Centre, while also learning practical new skills through the apprenticeship.”

“My operations based role will see me build on my foundational knowledge of quality management to support the Head of Compliance onsite, from the fire ground to the accommodation buildings. I’ll be working closely with more and different people, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Jack Denneny
Operations Administrator

Jack’s strong work ethic and positive outlook stand him in good stead. “My apprenticeship, and now my new role, are great stepping stones. For me personally, I feel I’m bringing a lot of positivity and a new way of looking at things into the business. I’m open to career development, and I’d like to think in five years’ time, I’ll still be here, making progress.”

We’re #SercoAndProud of Jack’s achievements and look forward to supporting him to impact a better future.