Apprenticeships still offer exceptional value for money, with some degree and master level apprenticeships costing a fraction of other higher level training options. For employers thinking of hiring an apprentice, remember that 95% of training costs are paid for by the government, with just 5% from the employer. In some cases 100% funding is available. As we #BuildTheFuture this year, Chelsea describes her experiences for National Apprenticeship Week 2021.
I left school in 2019 with the intentions of doing my A levels and eventually becoming a midwife. However, I soon discovered that a job role with large amounts of blood was not for me! A lot of my friends had started apprenticeships from school and had good experiences in their job roles and, therefore, I decided to apply for my apprenticeship at Skills Group.
Not knowing where to start with my career was something that I was struggling with. Trying to find a part time job was becoming impossible with the experience and qualifications that was required of me, especially, whilst we were going through a global pandemic. Starting my apprenticeship helped me gain confidence and has given me a view of where I want to be in life. Gaining qualifications as well as earning money and experience has opened so many more opportunities for me.
A typical day in the office consists of me coming in at 8:30 AM and checking my emails and clearing my diary, this may include making jewellers calls. I will then move onto our TH March inbox and begin to action different email enquiries. There are always new queries/valuations within the inbox and so there is always new training that is provided for us. I have my lunch at 12:30, then return to the inbox/training.
Since I began my apprenticeship during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m not sure how my experience may have changed. However, since a lot of TH March are working from home, I haven’t had the opportunity of meeting everyone and getting to know my work colleagues. Although I haven’t been able to do this, I have been welcomed and have been made to feel very supported. I am looking forward to meeting everyone in person rather than virtually.
I enjoy dealing with valuations and seeing all the beautiful jewellery that we insure. I also enjoy sorting files and seeing all the customers that have been insured by us for such a long time.
If you don’t know where to start your career, or need to gain experience, then I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship isn’t permanent, however it’s a good amount of time to get a good representation of how you feel in the job role you have taken on. In this time not only are you gaining experience, earning money and qualification, but you get a good feel of what your workplace has to