TELL US HOW YOU FIRST BECAME AN APPRENTICE:
I joined the Partnership aged 16, as a seasonal Christmas temp, working weekends whilst at college. Rather than going to university, I decided to explore development opportunities within the Partnership and enrolled on the Level 4 Retail Manager Apprenticeship as a Supermarket Assistant in Waitrose. This allowed me to continue to build work experience, earn whilst I learn, and achieve a government recognised qualification at no personal cost.
The skills and confidence I gained from my apprenticeship supported two different management promotions, allowing me to gain experience in both Waitrose and John Lewis stores. I successfully completed this apprenticeship in March 2022 and loved it so much that I enrolled on the Level 5 Leadership scheme just 6 weeks later. 18 months after that I was able to use the skills and knowledge I had developed to secure another promotional career change from Retail into the central Learning and Development team as a Progression Specialist where I currently work.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT APPRENTICESHIP ROLE:
A typical day in my role sees me holding account calls with our apprenticeship training providers to get updates on our programmes and plan for our next cohort, as well as working with internal and external stakeholders to find ways to address future skills gaps. I spend a lot of time working with our Partners who are on the programme, to answer any queries they might have and make sure they’re having a good experience. I’m also responsible for delivering our Early Careers strategy, supporting the attraction and engagement of a diverse range of young people into our business. This involves having to create, develop, scope out and manage programmes supporting school, college and university leavers into employment, as well as attracting career changers or returners to work.
TELL US WHY YOU WANTED TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE AMBASSADOR:
I am a huge advocate for apprenticeships as an alternative route to higher education – I have completed 2 schemes and have ambitions to complete a third and achieve my Level 7. I’m passionate about supporting others with their personal and professional career development, and think apprenticeships and an excellent resource to expedite this.
