Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

After finishing my A-levels, I chose not to go to university and decided to go straight into full-time work. After applying for over 50 roles and going to several interviews, I found it very hard to get a job, as all companies required someone with at least one year of work experience in that specific field of work. This is when I started looking into apprenticeships.

What types of things did you do on your apprenticeship?

I completed an apprenticeship in Business Administration. I was based in the Graduate School and worked alongside the administration team to ensure the smooth provision of the Professional Skills Development Programme. I played a key role in the day-to-day organisation of the programme and did things like: take course bookings and process course registrations, keeping accurate records; update course waiting lists and prepare course registers; send confirmation of course bookings to students and course tutors; assist with sending weekly course reminders to students; and process student fines for nonattendance. 

I also provided general administrative support, such as attending team meetings and taking minutes, ordering office stationery and equipment, data entry, answering telephone and email enquiries.

I went to Kingston College, my apprenticeship training provider, once a fortnight to study topics like finance, legislation & stakeholder management

What was the highlight?

My highlight was working alongside my manager to organise the Research As Art competition. I have also enjoyed being involved in activities for Mental Health Awareness Week.

What skills have you gained?

I have built my IT Skills (e.g. formulas in Excel, data entry, reports, website editing etc.), interpersonal skills and confidence.

What advice would you give to someone considering this route?

It is a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience and also achieve an academic qualification. Without my apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have been able to work at a great organisation like Imperial, at such a young age, with little work experience.