Each day during #NAW2020 we will be introducing you to inspirational apprentices and rising stars, working in Local Government in the East of England, who blaze their own trail.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I help look after sites such as the Abbey Gardens, Moyses Hall and Brandon Country Park. I deal with the day to day maintenance of these sites; arranging for works to be completed when needed. I also work on drawings using AUTOCAD to create plans and Sketchup to create designs for new projects. Along with my day to day work I also study for my degree.
What is your favourite part about your apprenticeship?
My favourite part about the apprenticeship is getting to learn new things all the time. I also enjoy looking after the sites, especially the historic ones, and doing work on drawings.
What has been your biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it?
This is my first job so fitting into a work environment has been a challenge especially as I am not a very confident person. However, having a great team to support me has helped me fit in. In addition to this learning and doing new things all the time has helped me gain more confidence.
What kind of support has been available to you during your apprenticeship?
Support has been given to help with having time to study for my degree. I also have been given support in order to improve my confidence.
What skills have you gained from your apprenticeship so far?
I have gained more confidence through doing this apprenticeship and I am learning how to fit in with a work environment. In addition, this I have learnt skills that are directly linked with my work such as the use of AUTOCAD and learning how to look after different buildings.
What are your plans for your future career?
Hopefully by the end of this Degree/ Apprenticeship I will be a fully qualified chartered Surveyor; which will lead to an exciting career. I have a passion for historic buildings so I hope to work mainly in that area in the future however I still have a long way to go and I am constantly learning and doing new things that I also enjoy and would consider pursuing in the future; such as the drawing work.
Do you have any advice to give someone considering an apprenticeship?
I believe that apprenticeships are a great option to pursue. You can learn so much through doing a degree or college course whilst already having a job in what you are studying. This means not only is it easier to understand what you are learning but it also gains you skills and experiences in the workplace.
How did you find out about your apprenticeship?
Through the GOV.uk website.
Apprenticeships give the opportunity to look beyond traditional routes into employment and allow you to explore a diverse range of career options in local government and beyond. Our #NAW2020 feature provides just a small taster of the true value that an apprenticeship can bring, to both individuals, local authorities and the wider community in the East of England.