This year the theme for National Apprenticeship Week is ‘look beyond’. The idea is to share success stories about and experiences of apprenticeships to encourage others, especially younger people, to explore all higher education options.
Three of our staff are currently studying an apprenticeship alongside their day-to-day job. We’ve asked a few questions about how they’re getting on and what they enjoy the most about their apprenticeship.
Jen Fairfield
What course are you doing?
I am almost halfway through the Leadership Apprenticeship Programme.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learnt on your course so far?
There have been several key learnings for me along the way and each module has focussed on a different aspect of leadership which has made it more interesting. If I had to choose the most interesting so far, I would pick coaching and learning how to encourage someone to come up with their own solutions to their challenges simply through the questions I ask. I have found it rewarding being able to guide someone without just solving the problem for them.
What have you found beneficial about working alongside studying?
Working as well as studying has allowed me to put my learning into practice and gain the relevant experience rather than just learning the theory. The principles being taught sink in much more when I get to apply them during my working day.
What made you want to do an apprenticeship?
I am a qualified accountant by profession but have had no leadership training, so I was interested in developing these skills. The apprenticeship seemed ideal as, with the support of Assura, I can learn new skills while continuing with my role.
What would you say to people who are thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
If it is a course in which you have a genuine interest, then go for it!
Loveday Josse
What course are you doing?
I am almost halfway through the Leadership Apprenticeship Programme.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learnt on your course so far?
I would have to say preparing a Statement of Profit or Loss and Statement of Financial Position especially when they balance first time. Sorry accountancy speech!
What have you found beneficial about working alongside studying?
I am going to sound cliché, but it is gaining the experience. Working in a job related to what you’re studying is so valuable.
What made you want to do an apprenticeship?
I was in university for one term and dropped out as I felt I was wasting my time. Thinking about it now I wasn’t 100% set on going to university and should have considered an apprenticeship first – racking up debt for a course that didn’t justify the whopping £9,250 annual fee seemed ridiculous to me.
What would you say to people who are thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
Do your research and apply to several. If you are unsure about what you want to do after compulsory education, take a year out, get a job, volunteer and consider your options. If, however you are dead set on an apprenticeship – GO FOR IT!
Francesca Harris
What course are you doing?
Level 3 team leader apprenticeship
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learnt on your course so far?
The course has a lot of self-awareness exercises which have been really interesting. It’s been great to see areas I succeed in but more importantly areas where I can improve. It’s been a real learning curve.
What have you found beneficial about working alongside studying?
I have to admit, working and studying at the same time is pretty hard, but it does give you the opportunity to apply your study into real life examples, which definitely helps it all sink in.
What made you want to do an apprenticeship?
I really wanted to improve my leadership skills, having recently taken on two line reports, so the content of this course really suited what I wanted to learn.
What would you say to people who are thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
There is actually quite a lot of work involved so make sure you have the time to dedicate to it – but overall it can be really worthwhile if there is an area of your work/self you want to develop.