Apprenticeship Case Study: One Year On

Last time we spoke to Holly Weare in March 2017, she had been an apprentice in Business West’s Enterprise team for just two months. We caught up with Holly a year on to find out how her apprenticeship is going and to ask about the progress she has made in just 12 months.

“I’ve now completed my Level 3 apprenticeship in Business Administration and have been offered a full time, permanent role at Business West. I’ve also gained a promotion to Project Co-ordinator and am being nominated for Outstanding Apprentice of the Year 2018 at the Apprenticeship awards. It’s been a busy year!

I’m now really looking forward to starting a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship in the next few months and have also been studying for a Level 3 ILM qualification outside of work.

Working as an apprentice for a company like Business West has given me so many opportunities and I have taken part in careers talks at schools, exhibitions, networking events and have even become an apprentice ambassador for the young apprentice’s ambassador network (YAAN).

Since I started last year, three other apprentices have joined the company and I have also taken on the responsibility of mentoring them through their time here.

Taking the apprenticeship route was definitely the right decision for me. I knew I learnt better in a practical environment and I’ve been able to learn so much at Business West. Now I’m earning a salary, I’ve also been able to move away from my hometown to Bristol and I am loving the independence it has given me.

I would definitely recommend looking into apprenticeships as an alternative to going to university – they are a great way to learn on-the-job, whilst gaining vital skills you will need in your career now and in the future.”

Head of Enterprise at Business West, Tara Gilliam, reflects on the progress Holly has made and how having an apprentice on her team has been a real benefit for her and her colleagues. 

“I have employed apprentices in the past, and I must say that Holly has been then most outstanding and exceptional example of why the apprenticeship route is a great opportunity for those who feel that further and higher education might not be for them. 

Holly has quickly become a key member of the team and I was very keen to offer her a permanent position with us once she completed her initial Level 3 NVQ in business administration.

She has brought a fresh and modern approach to her role and to the team, with her enthusiasm to learn spreading to some of the more experienced and older members of the team.

Holly’s confidence has grown throughout the year and she has contributed vastly to not only my team, but the company as a whole. She has taken part in socials, charity fundraising events, internal competitions and currently account manages and mentors approximately 30 clients. There is no question she has increased the productivity of my team and I would definitely recommend businesses to look into hiring an apprentice.”

Business West’s Skills Team provides free, impartial skills and apprenticeship advice to ensure businesses have the talented individuals they need to achieve business growth. If you’re interested in taking on an apprentice, get in touch today. We can answer any questions you may have and put you in touch with relevant training providers.

Read more interviews with inspirational business women from our International Women's Day series:

International Women's Day: Q&A With Diane Douglas

International Women's Day: Q&A With Roz Hutchings

International Women's Day: Q&A With Lauren Groves

Why did I choose an apprenticeship?

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