Thanks mate,
Questions below:
How did you hear about your apprenticeship? Was it via career advisers or another route?
I searched around on the Apprenticeship website. Admittedly it wasn't the job role I was originally looking for, but I'm glad I went in to this sector.
What was the reaction of your parents and friends when you told them about the apprenticeship?
My parents were over the moon, and so were my friends. Admittedly my friends thought the pay was really low, but I don't think they see how much it'll help me - they're happy for me though.
Have you gone straight from school or sixth form into the apprenticeship?
I left school last July, and went to college to do an I.T course. I thought about it a few weeks in and realised how many other people would have the same qualification as me, so what were the chances I'd be able to go straight from college and use that qualification to get a full-time job?
What has your first month taught you?
Not to be so hard on myself. That's something I am bad with, if I do something bad, I'll think about it and think about it and just knock myself down. I work with the most supportive people ever, and even if it's just me speaking too fast on the phone, they'll always say what I did well, then something I could potentially improve on - I love that.
What qualifications are linked to your apprenticeship?
Level 2 Business and Administration.
What are the key skills you have learnt?
Communication, mainly over the phone. When I started the apprenticeship, I'd often get asked to contact a customer, and I'd always end up emailing them because I wasn't confident on the phone - now I think they struggle to get me off the phone!
How did senior colleagues treat you in your first few days/week?
They help me through tasks, they encourage me to ask as many questions as possible and they make me feel like I've been there years! I actually smile going to work because I'm looking forward to the upcoming day! They're also really supportive. My Granddad passed away 2 weeks ago, and I've had a few days off due to that - admittedly really bad timing but what happens happens.
What tasks do you carry out on an average working day?
I always get the online orders from downstairs and complete them on our database. Our database helps us keep track of payments, delivery information, job info and all those little bits. I'm often handling calls and emails from customers/suppliers. We have an estimator (who quotes on jobs) and an accounts person, I basically do the normal receptionist jobs and take a little bit of work from either of the two.
How would you sum up the value of apprenticeships to both businesses and individuals?
Very important. It's the future of businesses. I'm worried that businesses will eventually take advantage of apprentices and just use them for 'cheap labour'. I hope that doesn't happen, and the government are definitely going the right way by putting a minimum of 1 year on apprenticeships. For young people, it gives you the opportunity to get a job and learn so much at a young age.
Thanks again.
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