March 2017

WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Verity and Amy vouch for the value of apprenticeships

Warwickshire County Council's commitment to apprenticeship has been recognised with a place on the prestigious Top 100 Apprentice Employers in the Country list.

Here, two of the council's current crop of apprentices - Verity Joynson and Amy Ashmore-Mellor - explain how an apprenticeship is providing them with the perfect bridge into the world of work.

 

VERITY JOYNSON - Apprentice in the Human Resources department

Why did you apply for this apprenticeship role?

I decided university wasn’t for me. There wasn’t a subject I was committed to and I didn’t want to go just for the sake of it and possibly get into debt. I researched employers in the area and realised Warwickshire County Council would be great as it has such a wide range of jobs and roles. I started the apprenticeship in September 2015 and will finish in September this year when I’m hoping to get a permanent job in the HR department.

What were you doing before?

I did a BTEC in music performance at Stratford-upon-Avon College. I found singing and playing in bands really helped build my confidence. Perhaps surprisingly, there are many similar skills to being at work and performing – confidence, people skills and teamwork. I would say performing in bands has really helped me in my job!

What is a typical day like for you?

There’s no such thing as a typical day. That’s what’s great about working in a large organisation like Warwickshire County Council – there’s so much scope for doing different things and getting different experience. I’ve picked up lots of insights from more experienced colleagues and feel I’ve learned so much.

What have you enjoyed about the apprenticeship?

All of it: the behind-the-scenes work and being out there meeting people and finding out how we can support them, whether they’re new members of staff or have been here for years. I've been involved in really interesting work including research projects, project planning and attending CPD events such as mock tribunals.

What qualifications are you getting out of the apprenticeship?

I am studying one afternoon a week for a Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - a foundation degree equivalent qualification. It’s theory-based and I find it really useful to apply what I’m learning at college to real-life situations in the workplace. I’d like to do my Level 7 Diploma in Human Resources Management in the future.

How supportive have you found your manager/the team around you?

Everyone has been very keen for me to get the most out of the experience. They have given me a real variety of projects which has helped me develop my skills and awareness of the different aspects to the role.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Do your research! Read about what different apprenticeships entail – there are so many different types. I chose the county council because I knew it was a good employer and a large organisation with a variety of services to get involved in. Some people may think I’m missing out on the “uni" experience but for me, developing skills, earning while I train and not accruing debt before I properly start work, are all great benefits which I hope will set me up for life."

 

AMY ASHMORE-MELLOR - Apprentice in Parenting & Families Support

Why did you apply for this apprenticeship role?

I went to university but swiftly realised that it didn’t suit me. I have always been interested in a job where I could help others and came across the Family Support Officer apprenticeship at the county council. Although I had no previous experience I thought it would be something I’d be good at. I also liked the idea of earning while studying for a qualification and gaining practical, hands-on experience.

What were you doing before?

I had a variety of jobs within customer service. I learned patience, how to prioritise and think on my feet and how to work both as part of a team and independently.

What is a typical day like for you?

I spend a lot of time travelling in my car to and from home visits and meetings. I usually have one day per week in the office to catch up on all the paperwork. The great thing about working flexible hours is that my day is not nine-to-five; this means that if I have a late visit one day I could start slightly later on another.

What have you enjoyed about this apprenticeship?

I have enjoyed meeting a variety of different people. I’ve had a lot of support from my colleagues which has allowed me to develop a good understanding of my role. It’s really interesting to meet people that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to meet. I’ve also enjoyed making the most out of all the opportunities that this apprenticeship has offered: meeting different organisations, charities and taking part in competitions.

What qualifications are you getting out of the apprenticeship?

I have completed NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People Workforce. I have also been accredited in a variety of parenting programmes. Being able to see the practical application of what I’m studying makes it easier to apply what I’ve learned to my job.

How supportive have you found your manager/ the team around you?

I feel lucky to have had the team that I did during my apprenticeship; they did everything possible to ensure that I got the most out of it. Not only did they help me by pushing me to be the best I could be, they made sure I got the full experience of the role. They were really keen to make the most of my opportunities.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Everyone has to decide what's right for them but apprenticeships are a great way to get experience of an area in which you are interested while gaining your qualifications. You learn skills and processes which you wouldn't necessarily learn at university.

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