Seen as its #NationalApprenticeshipsWeek we decided to ask two of our current apprentices, Laura and Alicja, how they think their apprenticeships are helping them develop their careers.

First up, Laura.

Introduce yourself and tell me what it is that you do?

My name is Laura Girling. I am the Business Admin Apprentice at Maldon Cordant People.

I do a wide range of tasks from assisting with payroll, administration for the consultants, preparing marketing products for clients, setting up trackers for audits, preparing window displays and checking all PIWA for clients.

How are you finding your apprenticeship?

What’re the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to someone, and if so why?

Yes, So they get the opportunity to learn, be paid and get a qualification!

Next up, Alicja.

Introduce yourself and tell me what it is that you do?

My name is Alicja Dyjak and I am studying a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at the North West Call Centre Fulfillment hub. I take care of my team’s compliance as well as making sure everything is in the correct place as well as supporting with any day to day administrative duties.

I help consultants gain more time to source and find new candidates by freeing up time, I also help by sourcing CVs myself.

I also organise any necessary documents, folders and create new systems which help the entire team work more efficiently. In the near future, I will also be looking after payroll for the team once I have completed my training.

How are you finding your apprenticeship?

I find the apprenticeship really beneficial as I am able to learn whilst working within a professional environment as well as also earning money at the same time and working towards a qualification.

My team are lovely and welcoming and have made me feel part of their family since the day I joined. I also receive great amounts of support from my manager Chelsey when it comes to the day to day job and also supporting me with the coursework I have to complete. Each time I need help she will answer my questions and make sure I clearly understand my tasks and how the business works.

What’re the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship is beneficial due to the amount of experience I am able to gain by being in a professional environment, and the opportunities it opens up for me.

It also allows me to learn as well as earn my own money, making me more independent and giving me a feel of the responsibilities I will have to face in the future.

Another benefit would be the amount of support I receive from my team members and manager when it comes to my daily duties and responsibilities and also the coursework I have to for my qualification.

What’re you hoping to get out of your apprenticeship?

I’m hoping that at the end of the apprenticeship I get my full qualification, but further than that maybe start to build my own career within Cordant – as I see the apprenticeship as a stepping stone into the business.

Moreover, I have a chance to understand how huge businesses such as Cordant work and follow all the company standards and policies. I want to learn as much as I can about the business as a whole and hope to become an important part of the team.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to someone, and if so why?

I would recommend apprenticeships due to the fact you get to meet new people, especially those who have the experience and can teach and show you more than you’ll ever learn in a classroom environment. As well as getting a feel of the bigger picture as you become more responsible and independent.

#NationalApprenticeshipsWeek