Despite the pandemic, apprenticeships are still available and the government is offering enhanced cash incentives to employers who hire a new apprentice before the end of March. As part of the 2021 National Apprenticeship Week, we highlight some of our current apprentices at TH March. Here’s Abi’s story…
Whilst doing A Levels, I had multiple part time jobs. I knew that I didn’t want to go to University, and I wanted to stop juggling 3/4 jobs at once. An Apprenticeship seemed like a perfect way to do that and I liked the idea of gaining qualifications and good experience in a working environment, while also earning money.
When I was in my second year of A levels and all my friends were applying for universities, I realised I didn’t know what I wanted to do and didn’t want to go to University to do a specific degree without knowing my career goals and plans. So, I applied to TH March as I felt like I could gain invaluable experience, while also earning money and qualifications.
Every day for me is different as my job role varies and I help out various different departments as needed. This has changed even more since people have been working from home!
The pandemic has massively changed my experience. I was put on furlough only 4 weeks after I joined through the first lockdown which meant that my training was stopped. It was difficult to complete some of my apprenticeship assignments because I didn’t have experience or knowledge of my job role fully to draw on. It also meant all of our apprenticeship learning was moved online, which I struggled with because I would have preferred to learn in the classroom as I feel it keeps me more focused.
The thing I enjoy most about my role is how varied it is. Every day is different. I also enjoy the fact that I have a lot of jobs that are away from my desk, such as filing and outgoing post. This means I get a break from my desk and get to get up and move around, instead of staring at a screen all day.
I would say just go for it! It is the best decision I have ever made, and I don’t regret not going to University/other avenues at all. It has been such a great way to get my foot in the door of a great company and helped me decide what I enjoy and want to do career wise. It has given me so much more confidence and experience that I may not have gained without doing this apprenticeship.