Leon – Customer Service Level 2 Apprenticeship – Optimum Skills

In his own words, Leon Hope has always been a chatterbox.

But as a delivery driver, Leon’s love of a good chat was somewhat stifled.

So, after being made redundant, Leon parked his courier career for a fresh start.

Fast forward to 2026, and Leon is thriving in a job he loves – with Optimum Skills playing a key role.

“I’m working for Re:Gen as a customer experience coordinator. It is a great company that I really want to help grow,” he said.

The job followed a three-week Skills Bootcamp Re:Gen Academy.

Initially, Leon thought his future could be in plastering.

But after some of the course leaders spotted his potential in other fields, he was encouraged to take an apprenticeship in customer service.

Given his passion for people – and penchant for a good natter – Leon was a natural.

Currently based in Byker, his course leaders have praised the immense effort he’s put into his Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship with Optimum Skills, which he’s on track to receive a Distinction in.

For Leon, the course has armed him with the skills needed for a successful career, although he attributes much of his success to his tutor at Optimum Skills.

“My tutor was Nigel Thompson and I can’t praise him enough. The support he offered was second-to-none, and in the year that I spent with him, my confidence grew so much,” added Leon.

“75 per cent of the time with him, but the other 25 per cent you just spend talking and building rapport. You really get to know and trust him, and that is so beneficial when it comes to your development.

“He really is fantastic at what he does and what I like is that there is never a wrong answer with him.”

Now settled in his role, he’s doing what he loves.

Working with people.

“As a delivery driver, the role can be customer-facing but at most, there are a few moments on the doorstep. Now I’m working with people for weeks on end, and getting to really work with people face-to-face each day is fantastic,” he added.

“With Nigel, I’ve honed my skills so that I can deal with anyone – and that’s absolutely priceless in this role.”