We wanted to conduct case studies with our learners in order to get a better insight of the apprenticeship experience from the perspective of the people who are in training with us. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from our learners about our courses, tutors and experience with SCCU, so we would like to share it with you.
Case study
Name: Hope
Placement: SCCU
Apprenticeship course and level: Level 3 Business Admin
Tell us a bit about your apprenticeship – What do you like best about it?
I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship and enjoying implementing the new skills I am learning. My confidence has grown and I now feel competent enough to represent the organisation in numerous professional environments, from networking events to careers fairs. My favourite aspect of my apprenticeship is the new friendships I have formed, as the team have made me feel that I am a hugely valuable member of staff and incredibly welcome. Initially, I presumed that going from secondary school straight into the world of work was going to be a daunting transition, however, I couldn’t have been more wrong as SCCU have supported me through the whole process. I find that engaging with our customers, providing helpful services to both the public and my colleagues, and expanding my skill-set have all been hugely rewarding processes that make my course enjoyable. The benefit of undertaking a Business Administration qualification while fulfilling a role with recruitment responsibilities is that I can apply the new skills I learn on my course in all the different aspects of my role.
How did you find your course and why did it appeal to you?
I came across a Junior Content Production Apprenticeship on the Government Apprenticeship site (Gov.uk) and initially, this was the position I was offered. I began working towards my Junior Content Production qualification but realised after 6 months that it was not something I was passionate about pursuing a career in. Role-shadowing exercises I’d done, along with odd jobs I’d been given to support my colleagues indicated to me, my manager and my tutor that I excelled in the Business Administration Sector. SCCU advised me not to continue on a course that I no longer enjoyed and were hugely supportive when helping me explore alternative opportunities. I swapped onto a Business Administration course which appealed to me as you are able to learn real-life skills and gain essential experience within a professional environment. This would be valued by future employers; not to mention, you may prove yourself on the course and secure a full-time position at the company you do your placement with.
Why did you pick SCCU to take your apprenticeship through?
I chose to undertake my apprenticeship with SCCU as they provided the qualification I was interested in and also provided in-house tutoring. Many other providers require you to leave the workplace and commute to a college or training centre, whereas SCCU matches you up with a Work-Based Tutor who visits you in your workplace once a month to deliver your training. This enables the tutor to have regular catch-ups with your line-manager so that you can be supported from all angles, prevents you from having to cut into your evenings or weekends to receive your training and eliminates any worries of travel costs that going to external training sites may incur.
How does your tutor support you?
I know that if I am struggling with any aspect of my course, I can pick up the phone or ping over an email and my tutor will make time to provide me with whatever support I require. They mark all pieces of work I submit, commending me on things they think I’ve done well and providing constructive criticism in areas that require improvement. They will then help me to implement this in future tasks.
How do you feel about the future? Do you feel you have a plan and have been supported by SCCU?
I believe I have a clear vision of my career prospects after I complete my qualification. I hope to secure full-time employment with the company and am eager to continue showing why I am a valuable member of staff. With the help of my tutor and my management, I created a Personal Development Plan in which I wrote my short, medium and long-term goals and I plan to keep working towards these. SCCU has advised me of all of the progression routes onto higher level qualifications that are available to me and I feel they could not have done more to successfully introduce me and guide me into the world of work.
What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
For anyone unsure of whether to consider an apprenticeship, I would say it is hugely beneficial for you as an individual, your confidence and your professionalism. The apprenticeship industry is growing rapidly and is becoming a much more popular option within further education and this means employers are viewing the experience that an apprentice has gained in their industry as hugely valuable and there is a huge range of qualifications to choose from. Therefore, you will most definitely find one you enjoy and are passionate about so you will be essentially be paid to train in an industry you love.
