As part of National Apprenticeship Week (7 – 11 February), we hear from two colleagues on how apprenticeships are helping build their future careers.
National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country. It shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is ‘build the future’; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.
We hear from two colleagues about their different experiences.
I joined the firm in October 2019 on an apprenticeship not long after finishing sixth form.
What attracted me to Grant Thornton was the inclusive culture which is demonstrated through the people stories on the Inside Grant Thornton website. Also, the awards the firm has won showed me this was a place where people are supported in achieving great things and are accepted regardless of their background.
The Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship appealed to me as I knew it would give me the foundation I needed to develop myself and create the stepping stones I needed to build a career at the firm.
The best thing about doing an apprenticeship was being able to work and learn at the same time. Having the ability to put what I was learning into practice really helped me better understand how my team worked and how my role played a part in its growth.
Despite starting my apprenticeship during the pandemic, the only aspect mildly affected was the social side of things. I overcame that by attending virtual events and keeping in touch with my cohort via social media.
My advice to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship is… do it! It is an amazing experience and there is so much to learn, not only from the course but from those in your cohort. It gives you the opportunity to interact with so many different people and see things from different perspectives.
Keen to continue my apprenticeship journey, I recently started a Digital and Technology Solutions Degree apprenticeship and I am very excited to embark on this new journey.
I work as a Business Development Executive within the Talent Solutions team and have been with the firm for two and a half years.
What struck me when I considered joining, was how the culture of the firm seemed inclusive and vibrant. I also wanted to work for an organisation that invested in its employees by supporting them through their career journey. It’s safe to say that Grant Thornton has lived up to expectations!
I’m currently studying the Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship.The course appealed to me as I hadn’t studied management or business formally before. I had spoken to dozens of clients about the benefits of leadership apprenticeships, and wanted to broaden my experience and knowledge. The apprenticeship has been great in gaining a deeper understanding into the theories and methodologies behind management and applying that knowledge in real life settings.
I’m lucky that I work in the world of apprenticeships so it’s easy for me to see what’s going on in the market. Although it wasn’t necessarily my chosen career path, the apprenticeship has taught me a lot about the fundamentals of management. It has helped me to grow both professionally and personally.
The best thing about doing an apprenticeship is seeing my gained skills take shape in the workplace. I have recently completed the project management module and used a lot of my knowledge to help set up a series of events we are running. I’ve also learnt so much from my peer network on the course.
My advice to others is…make the most out of the learning experience while you can and focus on using the skills you’re developing in real-life scenarios to gain familiarity. Also don’t forget to use your student discount!
I don’t think my apprenticeship journey will stop here. I have my end point assessment coming up in the summer and I’m hoping to get the best possible mark I can. After that, I’ll see what’s next – maybe the Operations Manager apprenticeship!
As a leading employer of apprenticeships, we have long championed the benefits they can offer. Around 20% of our workforce are currently using apprenticeships for development.
As a firm we also partner with leading training and education providers to deliver high quality, Levy funded, development programmes with practical application from the outset. These include the 2021 launch of two new data apprenticeship programmes in partnership with BPP Education Group and the Cranfield Executive MBA.
