National Apprenticeship Week is taking place between 5th and 11th February and is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.
This year's theme is 'Skills for Life' and you can join in or find out more by following #NAW2024 and #SkillsForLife on social media.
We're pleased to take this opportunity to celebrate our own Apprentices, who do a great job within our business. In this blog, we're in a Q&A with Lacey Pelling. Lacey joined our Newark branch straight after finishing school and is currently undertaking a Level 3 Business Administration qualification via Linden Training.
What made you consider doing an Apprenticeship?
As great as school was, I just felt like it wasn’t where I saw myself for the next few years if I wanted to reach my full potential. Even though all my friends were going to college, I also felt like college wasn’t for me- which made me nervous as I wouldn’t have any of my friends from the last 5 years with me. However, I knew that I wouldn’t have my friends by my side for ever so for me to gain confidence in myself and grow as a person I knew that doing an apprenticeship was the best thing I could do. I always thought about working in an office and 9-5 schedule as I liked the ideas of having my weekends free. Also, a great benefit is you get paid while doing your course!
What does an average day look like for you?
Normally, once I arrive to work the first thing, I do is empty the dishwasher-(I am a bit of a clean freak!) and put on the kettle. Then as everyone is arriving, I make them and myself a drink. Once I have done that I go and sit at my computer and I check my emails, then i ask if anyone needs me to do something. Usually there is paperwork to scan and upload onto the system. Throughout the day I answer the phones and speak to people regarding registering, and any available work, this also includes speaking to people who come into the office as well. Once I have had my lunch and the afternoon is quieter, I usually do some of my coursework which helps me stay on track with what I need to do. This also allows me to ask my colleagues for help if it is needed.
What was your first day like?
I did a trial week in at the start of July to see whether I felt this job industry was something I could see myself doing. It was only 4-5 hours a day, but it got me to see what types of jobs I would be doing and how I could fit in around the office. Everyone was lovely and as I then knew everyone; it made it easier starting my first week in September. Everybody made me feel very welcome and comfortable, which calmed my nerves as being in a workplace is a lot different to being at school!
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to start an Apprenticeship?
I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship as I feel you gain lots of experience while still learning, plus its also a great source of income especially as it is usually during the time you begin to have driving lessons and a car. My advice would be to ask to have a trial week/look around, this helps to see if you feel like you would want to be there for 1-2 years. It is important that you enjoy being in the workplace for you to like going straight into the work industry. Also, for the coursework side of it, it would suggest asking your colleagues and apprentice leader for help if you feel you are struggling as you don’t want to fall behind!