Liam is an apprentice project administrator in the Enterprise team at Business West. We last spoke to him 6 months ago, so for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) we thought we'd catch up with Liam to hear how his apprenticeship is going.
It’s been 6 months since we last caught up with you, how has your apprenticeship been going? Have you learnt any new skills?
Since the last catch up, I have completed my level 2 IT Functional Skills, started my college course and also taken on more responsibility in my role. I am also closer to the completion of my apprenticeship with only a few months remaining.
What are your plans after finishing your apprenticeship?
After my apprenticeship I eventually want to go onto a level 4 or degree level apprenticeship to continue my personal development and open myself up to new opportunities.
Coming to the end of your apprenticeship, what skills have you learnt which can be transferred to another role?
What I enjoy about a business administration apprenticeship is that you aren’t tied down in any department or role. Throughout my apprenticeship I have learned a lot of of new skills, from how to answer the phone correctly and organising consortium meetings, to attending business events, dealing with clients and much more. These skills can enable me to do a variety of other roles, such as project co-ordination and with the possibility, over time, to become either a project manager or an advisor. Whatever route you take the most interest in can lead you to some really interesting jobs. I enjoy the communication side of my role meaning that I could eventually adopt that approach and become an advisor later down the line.
Do you still believe taking an apprenticeship was the best route for you?
Yes, definitely. Taking an apprenticeship has not only boosted my confidence and allowed me to realise that I am capable of doing a job that I want, but it has also given me qualifications and on the job experience whilst earning.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?
I highly recommend an apprenticeship, especially to those people who are questioning if the university route is right for them, or for the people that don’t know what they want to do, just like I didn’t. I chose to do an apprenticeship because I didn’t know what career path to go down. Since I started so many opportunities have been opened up for me and it has given me an insight on what I want to do next.
Do you have any top tips for anyone looking at becoming an apprentice?
Getting an apprenticeship can be stressful and difficult at times, but just be patient. The right apprenticeship will come along when you're least expecting it. Also, once in your apprenticeship I recommend you dive in the deep end and throw yourself into anything and everything available. I wouldn’t have half the knowledge and confidence I do if I didn’t do this - make the most of the opportunity!
#NAW #skillswest
Read more National Apprenticeship Week blogs here:
Q&A with Nathan Hoyle - Former Apprentice
Q&A with Cassie Yates - Project Manager
You're hired! The benefits of an apprentice
Think your business is too small to hire an apprentice? Think again
- Log in to post comments
Apprenticeship support
An apprentice can help boost the productivity of your business. Find out how to recruit an apprentice, upskill your existing staff and what funding is available.
