APPRENTICE WEDNESDAY: LET’S HEAR FROM APPRENTICES IN LIVERPOOL CITY REGION
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is proud to be a big support of apprenticeships. Here we explore the journey of some of our apprentices…
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is proud to be a big support of apprenticeships, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram even completed a Bricklaying apprenticeship. Here we explore the experience of apprentices in Liverpool City Region…
Meet Abbie: Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice
Abbie completed a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
For Abbie, an apprenticeship felt like a best option for her, as she believed that it could offer her something that university could not. After 8 years in school, she wanted to get into the working environment and try something new. A particular consideration was the essay focused nature of traditional education, as she was concerned that she would not have received adequate support in university, which would have reduced her independence.
Once she joined the Combined Authority and began her apprenticeship, Abbie had the opportunity to be independent in her work, and work at the right pace for her. This in turn made her apprenticeship feel like the right fit and allowed her to progress professionally.
Her apprenticeship at the Combined Authority provided Abbie with a good work life balance, as she was able to explore the working environment, whilst still being allowed to switch off at the end of the day. Alongside her placement in the Households into Work team, Abbie also gained work experience in Human Resources and the Be More team, where she was able to explore her passion for digital creativity.
Unfortunately, apprenticeships were not encouraged whilst Abbie was in school, and she was the only person in her year to pursue the apprenticeship route over university. Abbie also found that careers advice and fairs were not tailored to her interests and needs. The type of employers that engaged with her school were limited, and pursuing creative roles was discouraged. As a wheelchair user, Abbie also noticed the lack of inclusivity at careers fairs, where she was unable to speak to someone who may have a first-hand understanding of accessibility issues in the workplace.
Through her apprenticeship Abbie was able to explore her skills and interests whilst receiving support with her assignments, such as using voice recordings rather than typing.
Following Abbie successfully completing her apprenticeship, she was immediately offered at role at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and now works as a Households into Work Administrator.
Meet Dan: Marketing Executive Apprentice
Dan is currently completing an apprenticeship at Alder Hey Children’s Charity as a Marketing Executive Apprentice.
The marketing team is responsible for developing design and content, planning effective social media campaigns and quality copywriting. Apprentices such as Dan have taken the reigns in planning social media posts as well as growing the blog archive; bringing more supporters to the website to read about the amazing impact of donations.
“By combining work and study, I have been given the opportunity to put what I learn into action and see my confidence and ability grow in a considerably short time. I would encourage anybody who is considering an apprenticeship to go for it, as the skills that you can gain from an apprenticeship scheme is irreplicable to any other form of traditional education. I’m so glad that I took the risk as I’ve had nothing but positive experiences from it.”
Dan, marketing executive apprentice
Dan previously studied English Literature and was able to bring first rate written skills to the team and a well organised, logical approach to his work.
According to Alder Hey, hiring apprentices such as Dan, has allowed them to reach more babies, children and young people who need the help of Alder hey Children’s Hospital.
Meet Craig and Ross: Engineering Apprentices
Craig and Ross have recently refurbished the bell situated at Seacombe Ferry Terminal. The bell was originally fitted in 1926 and is an old navigational aid. The sound travels for up to three miles and allows boats to travel in the fog safely.
Ross and Craig worked hard to work out where to source the correct replacement parts as many suppliers no longer carry the same components due to the bell’s age.
They completely refurbished the bell, including putting in a new motor which was a significant task.
They also decided to encase the refurbished bell into a clear box to shield it from the weather, hopefully allowing it to continue to keep boats safe on the Mersey for a long time to come.
Through their apprenticeship, Ross and Craig have developed valuable skills in their sector whilst also contributing to the rich history of Liverpool City Region.
