Elle
Level 3 Business Administration
Winn Group Apprenticeship start date: May 2019
My study and jobs before apprenticeship: I left Sixth Form and started an undergraduate course in Psychology at Lancaster University before deciding this course was not for me and looking for apprenticeships in more practical environments.
I chose to do an apprenticeship because: I chose to start an apprenticeship as an alternative to university as I wanted to progress in my life in terms of earning a wage, moving into a flat on my own rather than living in student halls, and building up experience of working while also continuing to study.
I chose a Winn Group apprenticeship because: I wanted to start a career which would suit my strengths; working with lots of different people including Solicitors, Medical Experts and the general public suited me as I enjoy building my communication skills. This is a fast-paced environment where I am always busy, and this fits my lifestyle.
What I enjoy most about my Winn Group apprenticeship: I love continuing to learn and build experience in my chosen career at the same time. While I love to learn it can feel as though my life is on standstill while working on a qualification alone, and so being here has really given me the skills and confidence to be in a professional environment and work in a full-time job while still gaining important qualifications for bettering myself.
The support I have received through my apprenticeship: There is a Training Officer who you can speak to with any questions who will also do peer reviews and witness testimony’s to help validate your portfolio.
Apprenticeship end date: I am due to finish my apprenticeship in June 2021, after the initial end point being pushed back due to Covid-19.
What I have to do in order to finish: I have almost completed my portfolio and then I have the End Point Assessment to complete which is an interview, a presentation, and small multiple question exam to sit.
What I would do differently if I started my apprenticeship now: I would focus more on ensuring the log I have to complete showing I spend 20% of my working week developing my apprenticeship portfolio is always updated as this can seem like an overwhelming task but completing this regularly makes it much easier.
My top tip for anyone considering doing an apprenticeship: Make sure you know what qualification you’re aiming to achieve with your apprenticeship, for example, Level 3, Level 5 or a Degree Apprenticeship, and see if there are any opportunities for further education paid for by your company once you complete one thing so you can continue to develop your skills.