Billy's Story

From the pitch to the prison service
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For Billy Bennett, Deputy Head of Facilities Management (FM) at Serco-run prison HMP Fosse Way, balancing a demanding career in prison maintenance with a passion for football is just part of his daily routine. 

Alongside the discipline he honed as a semi-professional footballer before joining Serco, Billy’s impressive career growth has also been powered by the unwavering support and training he’s received, enabling him to rise quickly within the organisation.

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Six years ago, Billy joined Serco as a Maintenance Operative. Since then, he’s followed a rewarding and challenging path involving hands-on training and an intensive development programme that allowed him to fill the shoes of his retiring supervisor.

“When I started, I’d never picked up a tool in my life,” he recalls. But Serco’s commitment to developing talent meant Billy didn’t have to go it alone. We provided ongoing on-the-job training, support, and funded his Fire and Security apprenticeship. 
What we offer
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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And it didn’t end there. After an initial setback in one of his assessments, Billy was offered extra resources, and additional time to attend college sessions to get him back on track. “Passing that exam after all the training and support from Serco was the biggest relief of my career,” he says. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the process, with remote learning initially replacing hands-on experience, but Billy adapted with the backing of his team and guidance from Serco.

When a Fire and Security Engineer announced his retirement, this presented a new opportunity to take the next step up in his career. Billy benefited from a fast-track development programme to help bridge any gaps, which allowed him to take on the role himself. Learning directly from a seasoned expert, this coaching supercharged his development, with his retiring colleague imparting practical knowledge, critical insights, and confidence that Billy would soon need to step into the role.
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"Serco's been supportive every step of the way. They make sure you're not short on training, and if you want to grow, there's a clear path forward. I went from apprentice to supervisor in just a few years - it's really about what you want out of it."

Billy
Deputy Head of Facilities Management, HMP Fosse Way
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Having successfully moved in the Deputy Head of FM role, Billy oversees maintenance and safety within the prison; this places him in daily contact with prisoners and requires a fine-tuned blend of technical and interpersonal skills. From addressing maintenance needs within cells to navigating complex security procedures, Billy collaborates with Prison Officers and the wider prison team on a daily basis. In a demanding setting, he feels well-prepared thanks to the training, mentorship, and structured guidance he’s received throughout his time at Serco.

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Now, as he considers his career growth, Billy reflects on the opportunities he’s been given. “Serco’s been supportive every step of the way,” he says. “They make sure you’re not short on training, and if you want to grow, there’s a clear path forward. I went from apprentice to supervisor in just a few years - it’s really about what you want out of it. Next I’m planning to complete a L5 management apprenticeship, so I can keep progressing.”
What we offer
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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Looking ahead, Billy’s ambitious for further development within Serco, bolstered by the confidence of his achievements and the continued support of his team. For him, the journey continues with the same drive he brought to the football pitch, now channelled into a new career path with plenty of exciting opportunities ahead!

Discover more about FM jobs at Serco.

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