National Apprenticeship Week: Abi’s Story

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…

Who or what inspired you to become an apprentice?

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.

What was the biggest factor in making you decide to do an apprenticeship?

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.

Describe a typical day.

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!

Has the pandemic and lockdown changed your experience?

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.

What do you enjoy most about your role, and why?

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.

What advice would you give to other people considering an apprenticeship as a route?

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.